Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has expressed his admiration for tennis legends Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, and Novak Djokovic, referring to them as the “three geniuses” of the sport. Nadal, 38, is set to retire after the upcoming Davis Cup finals in Malaga, marking the end of a remarkable career that includes 22 Grand Slam titles, with an impressive 14 French Open victories.
Before his retirement, Nadal will face long-time rival Djokovic for the last time at the Six Kings Slam, an event that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. Guardiola shared that he felt a tinge of sadness when Nadal announced his retirement, but he also paid tribute to the trio who have dominated men’s singles tennis for the past two decades, collectively winning an astounding 66 Grand Slam titles.
“I admire the consistency of ‘The Big Three’ every single season being there and never giving up, coming back from the setbacks,” Guardiola shared. “I tried to learn a lot from their body language, how they behave in the bad moments, how strong they are mentally, and of course the talent and skill.”
“I think all three will be missed – but still Novak Djokovic can enjoy it – but the three will be missed.”
Guardiola also revealed that he closely observed the tennis greats to learn how they overcame challenges and adversity. “I would always pay attention to the way tennis players look at the ball with their eyes and how they behave in certain moments. I also want to see how losers react in the next match,” Guardiola remarked.
Reflecting on his own experiences, Guardiola pointed out his battles in the Premier League against football managerial giants like Arsene Wenger, Jose Mourinho, and Jurgen Klopp. As Djokovic stands among the greats of tennis, Guardiola stands as the sole remaining member of that esteemed group of managers.
“When you are here nine years and then you become the oldest in football…Jurgen is tired, and when you don’t get results you change the manager, so it’s a simple answer for that – we won – otherwise I would not be here,” Guardiola shared. “Here you have to win. This is the only job where people are demanding desperately to sack you. It’s our profession so you have to accept it.”
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Conclusion:
In conclusion, Pep Guardiola’s admiration for tennis icons Nadal, Federer, and Djokovic is a testament to their lasting impact on the sport. As Nadal prepares to bid farewell to tennis, Guardiola’s respect for the trio’s consistency, mental fortitude, and skill shines through. Reflecting on his own challenges in the football world, Guardiola remains resilient, standing tall among his managerial peers. As sports continue to inspire and captivate audiences, the legacy of these legends and their ability to overcome obstacles serves as a source of inspiration for all. So, let’s embrace the spirit of determination and excellence, both on and off the court, in our pursuits for success and fulfillment.
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