Daniel Rincn, a 22-year-old Spanish tennis player and currently ranked 181 in the world, recently experienced an interesting situation. Daniel grew up in the Rafael Nadal Academy, joining it as a 16-year-old in 2019.
At one of the ATP Challenger tournaments held at Nadal's academy, Rincn caused positive reactions and delighted the public, winning his second Challenger title.
The Rafael Nadal Open proved to be a great opportunity, and the 22-year-old ultimately emerged victorious, defeating Jurij Rodionov in the final.
However, in the interview with the media, Rincn put a special emphasis on the presence of Nadal in the stands. The Spaniard admits that because of this he briefly lost six games in a row and felt a touch of nervousness and pressure.
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In the end, when he draws the line, he can be overjoyed with his performance, but also with the fact that the tennis legend attended his match.
I saw him looking, and I lost six games in a row. I got a bit tight there.
It was the best week of my life, by far. I really cannot compare it to anything else. I thought about how it could be before the final, or the feelings of winning there, but it was even more than I imagined. It was unbelievable.- he said, as quoted by Sportskeeda.
Daniel Rincn on Nadal's advice
The young tennis player admits that much of the credit for his progress belongs to Rafa Nadal. The former experienced Spanish tennis player has a huge influence on everyone in the academy, and it seems that most listen carefully to his advice and try to apply it in their everyday life.
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However, in addition to that, it is necessary to be completely dedicated to tennis, to have faith in yourself and the desire to progress.
Judging by Rincn's performances, he is certainly a person who enjoys this sport, is ready to listen to advice and has the potential to build a respectable career.
"It is not only the things that they say to you, it also has a lot to do with who tells you and how they say it to you. Having Rafa so close, sometimes even behind me in training, is a great influence. Part of the improvement I have had in recent years has been thanks to him and his environment."- Daniel concluded.
