Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams have etched their names in tennis history as the GOATs of the game. They have the third-most and second-most Grand Slam titles in the Open Era, respectively. They are also two of only five tennis players to have won the Career Golden Slam.
Having won multiple titles, Nadal and Williams have shared the limelight multiple times throughout their careers, and the two have a friendship based on mutual appreciation and respect. Both tennis stars have described themselves as being each other’s fans and have often expressed their admiration for each other.
Here is a list of the most complimentary things that Nadal and Williams have said about each other over the years:
#5 “Me and Nadal are Booty siblings! We see cheek to cheek.”
Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams recently shared the stage during the Opening Ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics where the duo, along with several other sporting legends, were a part of the prestigious torch-bearing ceremony along the River Seine.
French football legend Zinadine Zidane passed the torch to Nadal who handed it to his fellow tennis legend Williams, and the two got to have a small reunion reminiscent of old times as they traveled on a boat along the river.
#4 “She is one of the greatest sports [people] of all time. I feel lucky to share a tour for a long period of time with her.”
Nadal and Williams reigned over the world of tennis at the same time and both reached the zenith of success in their respective categories. Additionally, they have often credited the other with being the best in the sport.
Williams announced her retirement from tennis in August 2022 and amongst the numebr of sporting legends who thanked Williams for her contribution to tennis, Nadal was one. He said it was sad for the sport that she was leaving and wished her the best. He said (via Eurosport):
“She is one of the greatest sports [people] of all time. I feel lucky to share a tour for a long period of time with her. Of course, from a selfish point of view it’s sad that she’s leaving the tour but, on the other hand, we can’t thank her enough for all the things that she did for our sport.”
He added, “I think she’s an amazing inspiration for a lot of people around the world and I think she deserves to choose whatever works for her better at this stage off her life. So I wish her all the best.”
#3 “I’ve always been a Rafa fan. I named my dog after him.”
Rafael Nadal won his 22nd and most recent Grand Slam title at Roland Garros in 2022, soon after winning the Australian Open the same year. After his excellent start to the season, Nadal was set to face Francisco Cerundolo in his Wimbledon first-round match when his friend and tennis legend Serena Williams showered him with some kind words.
Speaking at a press conference during the tournament, Williams shared how she was rooting for Nadal (via Hindustan Times):
“He’s done a lot in 2022. He’s been busy. I’ve always been a Rafa fan. I named my dog after him. He’s so cute. I miss the little guy. So obviously I’m always rooting for Rafa. So yes, he’s been really inspiring in everything that he’s done this year, and he has a lot more to do”.
#2 “For me, equality isn’t about giving away gifts, but if Serena Williams earns more than me, I want her to earn more than me.”
Talking about the much-debated topic of equal pay, Nadal shared his views that it was important for men and women to have the same opportunities and players’ earnings should depend on the revenue they generate.
During an interview with La Sexta earlier this year, drawing parallels between him and his friend Serena Williams, Nadal said (via Tennis 365):
“The opportunities, the same. The salaries, the same? No, for what? It’s not unfair, what’s unfair is that there isn’t equal opportunity. I have a mother and a sister. If you tell me that men and women deserve the same opportunities, I’m a feminist. This term is taken to the extreme. If we’re talking about logical and normal things in this conversation, of course I want equality.
“For me, equality isn’t about giving away gifts, but if Serena Williams earns more than me, I want her to earn more than me. I want equality, I want women to earn more than men if they generate more than men,” he added.
#1 “Thank you for all the amazing things you did for our sport, such an amazing ambassador”
In continuation of the gratitude and praise that Serena Williams received after announcing her decision to retire from the game of tennis, ATP shared videos of legends like Rafael Nadal and Pete Sampras thanking the 23-time-Grand Slam champion for her service to the sport with the #ThankYouSerena.
In his video for his “booty sibling,” Nadal thanked Williams, saying (via Tennis.com):
“Thank you for all the amazing things you did for our sport, such an amazing ambassador. It’s been a huge honor to share almost all my tennis career with you, and honestly I have plenty of memories of you winning, playing, emotional moments. It has been a huge privilege, so all the best to you for your future life.
“Hopefully we can keep seeing each other around the tour. All the very best and see you soon.”
The relationship based on mutual respect and admiration as shared by tennis legends of Nadal’s and Williams’ stature exemplifies a spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie that does justice to their on-court achievements at the highest level of the game.
