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'A hard worker with much talent in his early years,' French legend Gilles Simon reacts to Rafael Nadal’s football skills in Rome

Originally posted on FirstSportz | By Gerard Crispin | Last updated 5/9/24

Former French star Gilles Simon has hailed Rafael Nadal on social media after reacting to the football skills of the Spaniard. The Spaniard was seen raising the ball lying on the floor, expertly with his legs, while in a practice session with Stefanos Tsitsipas ahead of his Rome Masters opener.

Nadal has been the center of attention since he fully commenced his final tour at the Barcelona Open. The Spanish star’s encouraging start saw him win four matches and a round of 16 exit in an emotional farewell at the Madrid Open. In Rome, where he has had greater success than Madrid, he looks to be in better shape to continue his bright form.

He was among the early arrivals in Rome to begin preparations properly, as the tournament is now pivotal to his participation at the French Open. He trained on Saturday at the Foro Italico, with the Italian crowd cheering the record winner. On Tuesday, he trained again, this time with World No.8 Stefanos Tsitsipas. In the middle of the training, he was seen raising the tennis ball as the crowd cheered him.

However, Simon, who beat him only once in nine meetings reacted to the viral video of Nadal on social media. The French former ATP player, hailed the 37-year-old star, admitting he would win titles in other sports as well.

A little thought to all those who presented him to us as a hard worker without much talent in his early years, when he is gifted person who would have had 10 Golden Balls if he had played football, 15 Majors if he had played golf and therefore 22 GS playing tennis. Gilles Simon wrote on X

Une petite pensée à tous ceux qui nous l’ont présenté comme un forcené de travail sans trop de talent dans ses 1ères années, alors que c’est un surdoué qui aurait eu 10 ballons d’or s’il avait joué au foot, 15 Majeurs s’il avait joué au golf, et donc 22 GC en jouant au tennis https://t.co/hbIFMUbdtk
— Gilles SIMON (@GillesSimon84) May 8, 2024

Meanwhile, Simon retired in 2022 with a successful record of 14 singles ATP titles in his career. He turned pro in 2002 and went on to reach his career-high ranking of No.4 in January 2009.

Rafael Nadal passes grueling Rome opening test after defeating Zizou Bergs

Rafael Nadal’s hopes for a good start in Rome came at the right time as he defeated a resilient Belgian qualifier Zizou Bergs 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 in 2 hours and 54 minutes. The Spanish legend began rusty in the first set but after a medical call for a fan in the crowd, he found his footing in the game after then.

He has now won 18 opening-round matches in Rome while losing only once. His experience came into play as Bergs pushed for a winner after claiming the first set.

He will face a tricky opponent Hubert Hurkacz in the second round as he hopes to up his game. Nadal will be hoping his trademark fighting spirit he has used on several occasions help him to scale through to an encouraging round of 16 or quarterfinals reach in Rome.

This article first appeared on FirstSportz and was syndicated with permission.

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