New Delhi, Oct 19 (IANS) Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has expressed his deep admiration for tennis legends Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, referring to them as the “three geniuses” of the game.
As the 38-year-old Nadal prepares to retire after next month's Davis Cup final, Guardiola took a moment to reflect on the dominance of the trio that has defined men's tennis for the past two decades. Together, they have won 66 Grand Slam titles, of which Nadal has won 22, including an unmatched 14 French Open victories.
Nadal's farewell clash with Djokovic at the Six Kings Slam would bring an end to an iconic rivalry, and Guardiola felt “a little bit sad” at the news of Nadal's impending retirement. Despite the sadness, the Premier League-winning coach acknowledged the remarkable influence of Nadal, Federer and Djokovic on tennis and beyond.
“I admire his consistency, his mental strength and the way he never gives up,” Guardiola said on Sky Sports' One on One series and podcast.
“All three of them are talented, and I've tried to learn a lot from their body language and the way they handle difficult moments. Their talent, skill, and flexibility are what made them great, and all three will be missed. Djokovic, however, continues to compete But his era is something special.”
Guardiola, who has faced high-pressure rivalries in football including battles with Arsene Wenger, Jose Mourinho and Jurgen Klopp, drew parallels between the tennis greats and his own experiences.
He praised these players for how they overcame adversity, noting how they reacted under pressure and used defeat as motivation for future success.
As the last manager of a generation of football coaching giants, Guardiola also reflected on his own longevity in a job where success is the only means of survival. He said, “When you stay here for nine years, you become the oldest. But in this profession, you have to win. It's the only way to keep your job.”
–IANS
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