World No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka recently revealed, in a candid interview, her favorite sportsmen who have inspired her to be a professional. None other than tennis, great Rafael Nadal, topped her list, and she credits him as a tremendous source of motivation towards her development and love for the game.
“He’s a role model for so many children. He was a role model for me,” Aryna Sabalenka stated, remembering Nadal’s impact.
For the Belarusian powerhouse, Rafael Nadal’s legacy transcends his 22 Grand Slam titles and numerous records. What struck a chord with Sabalenka was his tireless work ethic and commitment to the sport.
“Seeing all the hard work that he put in is just amazing,” she said. “He’s a good guy. He worked really hard to do all that he did.”
Aryna Sabalenka, whose baseline game and on-court emotional intensity frequently have led observers to compare her with the tennis greats of previous eras, has a special reverence for Nadal. It is not because of his style, though; it is because of substance.
Like Nadal, Aryna has based her career on heart and guile, as well as the unyielding tenacity to never quit, even in losing situations.
A Legacy Beyond Gender and Generational Memory For Rafael Nadal
Rafael. His humility and sportsmanship have, over the years, inspired athletes of all backgrounds and genders.
Sabalenka’s praise is part of the long list of elite professionals—like Iga Świątek, Carlos Alcaraz, and even Novak Djokovic—who have admired Nadal both as an opponent but also as a role model.
“He’s certainly been an inspiration,” Aryna Sabalenka summarized. Her words are a testament to Nadal’s legacy—a tennis player who dominated the sport but inspired a generation of players.
As Aryna Sabalenka keeps striving for additional Grand Slam wins and solidifies her name in tennis lore, she takes with her the essence of one of the sport’s all-time legends. With inspiration such as Nadal pushing her from behind, there is little question that she will keep working towards excellence with the same drive that initially led her to the game.