Rafael Nadal has delighted tennis fans after a heartwarming video of him meeting Billie Jean King went viral on social media ahead of his retirement.
In the clip, King, 80, is seen greeting fellow tennis legend Nadal, 38, in Malaga by kissing him on the cheek and shaking his hand before they pose for pictures.
Nadal is gearing up to feature at the Davis Cup Finals for Spain, in what is set to be his final professional event before he officially hangs up his racket.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion has raised concerns over his fitness – but according to fresh reports – Nadal looked fit and ready in practice on Saturday.
After the practice session, Nadal met up with King and the women’s tennis icon can be heard telling the Spaniard: ‘You’re looking good.’
King also praised Nadal for his volleying and asked if she could hold his baby in one of the photos.
Nadal politely turned down the request – but could not hide a massive smile and was seen giggling.
Spain begin their Davis Cup Finals campaign on Tuesday against the Netherlands, in what could be Nadal’s last professional match.
Carlos Alcaraz, the current Wimbledon and French Open champion, is desperate to help his hero – and fellow Spaniard – land a sixth Davis Cup title out in Malaga.
‘It is the last tournament of the year for me, probably one of the most special tournaments that I’m going to play,’ Alcaraz said. ‘Last tournament of Rafa, I’ll be able to be next to him in the last moments on a tennis court for him.
‘The Davis Cup is a tournament I really want to win one day. When I was a kid, I’d dream about winning the Davis Cup, for Spain.
‘This year we have a really special chance to win it. But I think it’s most important for Rafa, for his last tournament.
‘I really want him to retire with a title. It’s going to be really, really emotional and a really special tournament for me.’
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