MADRID, 21 Abr. (EUROPA PRESS) –
Former Czech-American tennis player Martina Navratilova has assured that the Serbian Novak Djokovic is “incredible”, but has highlighted that Carlos Alcaraz “takes tennis to a different level”, in addition to praising the dedication of Rafa Nadal, who hopes that he will retire when he decides and of which he affirms that you can “put him in any sport or any hard work” and he would always show that he is the best.
“I have to go with Alcaraz, he is a complete player. He does things that we have not seen before on the court. Djokovic is incredible, but Alcaraz takes him to a different level in speed, he surprises, he improvises better than anyone else and it is a pleasure to watch him “, he noted in a press conference prior to the 2024 Laureus Awards, which will be presented this Monday in Madrid.
Navratilova, a member of the Laureus Academy, also praised Rafa Nadal. “I hope Rafa retires when he decides, when his body has left him. At the same time, when he arrived on the world stage, we thought he wouldn’t last until he was 30, because he plays a very physical game. How were we so wrong everyone? It’s great to see him for so long,” he said.
“I think he is a top competitor, he fights for every ball, and you can see his influence on the future generation. The way he approaches the sport, he is a top professional. He is a great example for everyone. His rival is his worst enemy, but “When the game is over, they are the best of friends. You can put him in any sport or any hard job and it would show his dedication and his concentration,” he added.
On the other hand, he valued the career of Garbiñe Muguruza, who announced her retirement this Saturday and who is joining the Laureus Academy. “She has had a great career and will be a great addition to our Academy. I am proud to have her, because she will bring more to the Academy and, above all, to the Sports Foundation. That is why, as Boris said, we have made a big difference and I think it is a great addition; we have more young blood,” he said.
Finally, he criticized that the WTA Finals are going to be held in Saudi Arabia between 2024 and 2026 due to the country’s failure to comply with LGTBIQ rights. “Going there is one of the best changes you can make before going to North Korea,” she said wryly. “It doesn’t affect us because we no longer play. The players have made their decision. Some have justified it as not wanting to get involved in politics, but sport is politics,” she concluded.