Rafael Nadal showed his classy character by feeling embarrassed about a room dedicated to the 'Big Three' during Andy Murray's visit to his academy. Earlier this month, Murray was invited to play in an exhibition event marking the 10th anniversary of the Spaniard's Rafa Nadal Academy in Manacor, Mallorca.
Murray's team, made up of Fabio Fognini, Marat Safin and Dominic Thiem, lost 4-3 to Team Nadal, which included the 22-time Grand Slam winner, Carlos Moya, Richard Gasquet and David Ferrer. A video posted on Murray and his brother Jamie's YouTube channel - The Set - shows footage from the day the Scot visited the academy, where he was given welcome gifts and shown around the gym and the practice courts ahead of the matches.
Nadal's Awkward Moment in the Museum
Murray then visited the academy's museum, with Nadal serving as the three-time Grand Slam champion's guide. But, having been walked through various rooms dedicated to the tennis legend's past, one moment in particular showcased Nadal's humility and modesty.
A member of staff came over to Murray and told him Nadal was not comfortable with the presence of a room dedicated to the Big Three - himself, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer - within the academy. He explained: "Rafa won't tell you, but he doesn't feel good because we have a room about the Big Three. He won't tell you but…"
Murray responded graciously, saying: "That's fine," as the staff member re-iterated: "I know it's fine for you but he told me like… because it was not his decision to make. He won't tell you." The Brit replied: "No, no, that's fine. It's not a problem."
Murray's Legacy in the Big Three Era
The room includes an audiovisual zone with original objects and stats from the Big Three era, with Federer himself visiting and spending time there in the summer. Murray spent his entire career as the fourth man chasing three of the all-time greats. The fact he still managed to become world No.1 and reach 11 Grand Slam finals in such a dominant era is testament to his own skill, which has often seen them described as the 'Big Four'.
The slightly awkward moment didn't ruin Murray's visit, either. "I love going around the museum. For me, that was the best part of it," the 39-year-old said in the episode.
Murray and Nadal appeared comfortable talking to each other throughout the video, having known each other for over two decades. Even though Nadal leads their head-to-head 17-7, he once said that Murray was the only player who came close to the standard of the Big Three.
