'He's incredible on clay' - When Kylian Mbappe hailed Rafael Nadal as his favourite tennis player

Rafael Nadal will play his last French Open this year.

French footballer Kylian Mbappe once talked about his desire to meet 14-time Roland Garros champion Rafael Nadal.

During the 2017 French Open, Kylian Mbappe said in an interview with France TV that Rafael Nadal has always fascinated him. During that time, the Frenchman played for AS Monaco; however, he joined Paris Saint-Germain in the same year.

Talking about the Spanish tennis player, Mbappe said, “It’s Nadal who really fascinates me. I didn’t have the opportunity (to meet him), but I would like to.”

Kylian Mbappe During RG 2017. “It’s Nadal who fascinates me I would like to meet him one day “Post this the talented French men went on to have two outstanding World Cup campaigns in 2018 and 2022Rafael Nadal a global sporting iconpic.twitter.com/gKJ90YLHfK

— S. (@write2Swag) May 22, 2024

The Frenchman also stated that the 22-time Grand Slam winner is his favourite tennis player. He said (via the tournament website), “Rafael Nadal is my favourite because he’s incredible on clay. And I’m backing Jo-Wilfried Tsonga too – though I’m biased, because I’ve got a soft spot for him!”

He also congratulated the Spaniard for winning the 2017 French Open. However, Mbappe’s desire was eventually fulfilled after he had a brief interaction with Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer at Roland Garros. After the conversation, he later lauded the two tennis stars. Mbappe also lavished praise on Nadal and Federer for their consistency on the ATP tour.

Also Read: Who is the second-most successful player in French Open history after Rafael Nadal?

Mbappe said via Paris Match Magazine, “I watch basketball and tennis a lot. At Roland Garros, where I love to go, I had the opportunity to chat with Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal. I admire these champions, who have been able to stay on top for many years. It’s not for everyone to have such consistency.”

Earlier this month, Mbappe announced that he would be leaving PSG in the summer. The Frenchman played his last match for Paris Saint-Germain at Parc des Princes in the 1-3 defeat against Toulouse last Sunday. However, the 25-year-old managed to score a goal in his last match for the Ligue 1 giants.

Kylian Mbappe was also seen playing tennis on a clay court after French footballer Moustapha Diatta took to Instagram and uploaded a picture. In the picture, the two can be seen standing together after playing tennis.

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