Published 02/04/2023, 11:30 AM EST
Tiger Woods and Rafael Nadal are widely considered to be among the sporting royalty. The duo has maintained a great friendship for many years. However, before the initiation of their respectful relationship, Nadal shared his admiration for Woods, as the golfer’s 14th Major win in 2008 caught the Tennis star’s attention.
Over the years, Woods and Nadal have developed a strong friendship thanks to their lengthy contract with Nike. Both athletes have previously shown great admiration for one another. The tennis star had paid a visit to several of Tiger’s events in the past.
Though both men are two of the greatest in their domains, the bond among the duo began long before the glory days of the Spaniard. Let’s take a look at what Rafa had to say about the Hall of Famer.
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Rafael Nadal loves the determination of Tiger Woods
Back in 2008, Tiger was an established golfer while holding the number-one position for a consecutive 500 weeks. He recently had won the US Open at Torrey Pines. Woods was tied with Rocco Mediate at the end of the final round, but a bogey by Mediate handed the former world number one his 14th Major title.
Tiger Woods celebrates after making a putt during the second round of the Masters | Courtesy: Getty Images
The win impressed many beyond the golf world. One such admirer of Tiger’s win was the rising Tennis star, Rafael Nadal. Though the Spaniard had already grasped four French Open titles, he still had yet to get his hands over the Wimbledon trophy. Ahead of the 2008 grasscourt Grand Slam, Rafa spoke of Woods’ US Open win.
Read More: WATCH: When Tiger Woods Cheered for Rafael Nadal
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“I like a lot his mentality”, Nadal said. “I like a lot his eyes when he’s going to have the important shot. He always plays with unbelievable determination in important moments”. Just two days after his 14th Major title triumph, Tiger Woods revealed he played the US Open with two stress fractures in his left leg and a torn ACL that required reconstructive surgery.
Tiger Woods watches on as Rafael Nadal takes on Marin Cilic
“It’s unbelievable winning the U.S. Open like this”, Nadal added while referring to Tiger’s injury struggles. The 22 Grand Slam winner ended by claiming no other player can do what the Hall of Famer achieved. “Only Tiger can do this”, Rafa ended. A few weeks later, similar to his idol, Nadal tasted a silverware win as he ended up winning the 2008 Wimbledon.
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This was the first of many occurrences where the names of Tiger Woods and Rafael Nadal would cross paths. In later years, the idol and his devotee developed a great friendship. It would not have taken place in the first place if it wasn’t for Nadal had not adopt a similar mindset as Woods and attaining grand slam after grand slam.
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