Andy Murray was a star attraction for Rafa Nadal’s Academy Slam this weekend, as a good friend and great rival of Nadal’s throughout his career.
He spearheaded a team boasting stars like Marat Safin, Fabio Fognini and Dominic Thiem, who sadly lost over seven first-to-ten-point matches.
That being said, the outcome did not really matter.
It was just so enjoyable to see these legends back on court together having fun, and with the smiles that spread after every point, that goal seemed to have been attained.
Andy Murray was hugely impressed with the facilities upon returning to the academy, and spoke glowingly about Rafael Nadal and all he has accomplished since retiring from tennis.
Andy Murray discusses Rafael Nadal’s incredible legacy in tennis
Speaking to the media, Murray discussed Nadal’s legacy as he made up a big part of this celebration of his academy.
Asked to try and sum up all he accomplished, the 39-year-old smiled as he admitted: “You don’t need a lot of words, just one look at this museum!
“In all sports, how many athletes can create a museum like this? Very few. Not just in terms of the number of cups and championships, but the sheer number of events and historic matches he was a part of, and yet he’s a calm and incredibly humble person.”
Then, speaking after the event on The Set, his YouTube channel, Murray added: “It’s been great.
“I mean, I’m not so involved in tennis now, and, you know, I don’t travel so much, but to come over here and get to spend some time with Rafa, see what he’s done with the academy, and all the changes he’s made, and, yeah, also to get to see some of the other guys as well.
“Like, Safin was someone I grew up watching, and, you know, loved watching him, and all of the others I played against, and spent a lot of time with on the tours. It was great to see them.
Do you think Rafael Nadal is the GOAT? 🐐
“But I love going around the museum. For me, that was the best part of it. Rafa had an incredible career, so to see, like, all of his trophies and all of those memories again, for me, was, yeah, was really special. I think they’ve done a really great job there.”
At that same media conference, Nadal also spoke about whether he planned to enter into coaching anytime soon, following in Murray’s footsteps.
The Scottish star has claimed he hopes to continue working alongside Jack Draper into 2027, as he continues to nurse himself back to full health after an injury-hit campaign.
