Billie Jean King says what she got wrong about Rafael Nadal as she recalls ‘special moment’

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Rafael Nadal is currently inundated with messages of congratulations at this moment in time after retiring from tennis

Nadal played a record-43rd Davis Cup match, although the Spaniard was on the losing end of his singles clash with Botic van de Zandschulp.

Spain lost the quarter-final tie with the Netherlands 2-1, ending their Davis Cup Finals hopes and indeed the glittering career of Nadal.

Coco Gauff was emotional at Nadal’s farewell, with the latter hanging up his racket as a 22-time Grand Slam champion.

That includes a record 14 French Open titles, with the Spanish icon fully deserving of his ‘King of Clay’ label.

Billie Jean King makes Rafael Nadal admission after his retirement

His success at Roland Garros did, however, come to the surprise of fellow legend Billie Jean King, who was confident that Bjorn Borg wouldn’t be surpassed at that event.

“Rafa is special, and I personally have a special moment with him because I was able to give him his 14th French award, I got to present it to him,” she said on BBC 5 Live Sport.

READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Rafael Nadal as the 14-time French Open winner announces retirement

“For me to give Rafa Nadal his 14th… it was a magical moment for me to be able to say this kid’s won 14, which is unimaginable.

“I thought when Borg won five I thought no-one will get close to Borg. I’m like this kid’s got 14! I was just so happy that I’ll always have that memory for the rest of my life.”

Who did Rafael Nadal beat for his 14 French Open titles?

Nadal is well ahead for French Open titles won, with second-best Borg managing six during his superb career on the court.

Current ace Novak Djokovic meanwhile has won three times at Roland Garros, with the Serbian having undoubtedly given up in his pursuit of catching his rival.

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Djokovic is, however, at the top of the table for all-time Grand Slam titles with 24, two ahead of Nadal and four ahead of Roger Federer.

The Spaniard leaves the sport with a phenomenal 92 ATP Tour-level titles in total, with over 1,000 wins to his name.

Roland Garros congratulated Nadal on his career after his final match, with his first and last Grand Slam successes fittingly coming on the iconic clay courts.