World No.1 golfer Nelly Korda admires Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, and she wants to carry their mentality onto the golf course. During the Mizuho Americas Open, she talked about the influence of Federer and Nadal on her career.
After her win on Sunday, Korda became the first American since Beth Daniel to win six or more tournaments in a season. It was also her 14th LPGA Tour victory. In a press conference, Korda said she wants to have grace in her game like the Swiss maestro and wants to have Nadal’s fighting spirit.
Nelly Korda, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer (Images via Imago)
Yeah, I think I've always had this mentality. I've always given it 100 percent. I've looked up to great athletes like Nadal and Federer. Which is the blend of the two I hope I have. The grace that Federer has and then the fight that Nadal has.Nelly Korda said at the press conference
Despite being a golfer, tennis was an integral part of her life as both of her parents are former tennis players. Her father Petr Korda won the 1998 Australian Open, while her mother Regina Rajchrtova has won multiple events on the ITF circuit.
Korda’s brother is Sebastian Korda, the 28th-ranked player on the ATP Tour. So it’s not surprising that the No.1 golfer draws inspiration from two of tennis’ most successful players.
Rafael Nadal calls Roger Federer arrogant
The rivalry shared by Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal has been well documented. They played some of the most enthralling and intense matches on the ATP Tour, the highlights of which still don’t fail to captivate the fans, old and new.
Off the court, they are close friends. It’s considered tough among players to be friends while being competitive, but Federer and Nadal have shown that even in tennis, players can form long-lasting friendship bonds.
Federer and Nadal featured in Louis Vuitton’s ad campaign, ‘Core Values’ in which the former asked: “Was I nice to you?” In response, Nadal jokingly said that Federer was arrogant.
You were a little bit arrogant! No, honestly, you were super nice. I was just arriving at the tour and a junior, so I was super shy to talk to you, but you were very nice.Rafael Nadal replied
Federer bid adieu to the sport in 2022, while Nadal has hinted that he may retire after this season. The King of Clay will soon be announcing whether he will play at Roland Garros or not.
