SAO PAULO – Clay court master Rafael Nadal is drawing inspiration from the Brazilian soccer great Ronaldo as he returns from injury.
With Ronaldo watching, Nadal won the Brazil Open on Sunday for his first title after a seven-month layoff caused by treatment of his left knee. Nadal said Ronaldo is “an example” to be followed because of his determination to rebound from a series of career-threatening knee injuries.
Despite winning again, the Spaniard is still bothered by his knee and said he is far from fully recovered, although he hopes the victory will mark a new beginning in his career.
“Ronaldo is an example to a lot of people because of all that he was able to achieve despite what he had to go through with all the knee problems in his career,” said Nadal.
“He is definitely an example to me. He’s an example of determination and hard work.”
Ronaldo overcame three serious knee operations. The former Barcelona, Real Madrid, Inter Milan and AC Milan forward won two World Cups with Brazil and holds the tournament’s career scoring record with 15 goals. – AP
