Rafael Nadal insists comparisons which describe him and Roger Federer as the Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi of tennis are not accurate. Over the last decade, the quartet have been the dominant figures of their respective sports.
Along with Novak Djokovic, Nadal and Federer have held a stranglehold on men’s tennis and have a combined 39 Grand Slams.
In football, Ronaldo and Messi have been a class above, winning 11 of the last 12 Ballon d’Or awards.
Messi and Federer have been compared to each other due to their serene, effortless and graceful styles.
While Ronaldo and Nadal have drawn comparisons as a result of their physiques, power and relentless desire to win.
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But Nadal believes such observations are not valid due to the difference in sports.
“There is no comparison possible,” he told Spanish publication Marca when asked if he agrees with the claim that he would be Ronaldo and Federer would be Messi.
“They are two completely different sports and the characteristics of Messi are not those of Federer nor those of Cristiano are mine.
“We were favourites for the title (World Cup) then the sudden dismissal of Julen weakened us.
“We can not make the same mistake. We must have tranquility and continuity.
“I am happy that after the tragedy that Luis Enrique has had, he will have the inner strength to lead again.
“The way Robert [Moreno] left could have been done better.”