Marcos Baghdatis speaks extremely highly of Rafael Nadal

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Former world No. 8 Marcos Baghdatis didn't enjoy much success against Rafael Nadal on the court but reveals he is a big admirer of the record 21-time Grand Slam champion. Nadal, 35, has been one of the most beloved players from the first moment he came on the tour and Baghdatis says he is a big fan of the Spaniard's atttitude.

“I love Rafa's attitude, I think the guy, for me, is the best in everything. You never see him complaining, he's always there, fighting, not throwing rackets. He is so stable, so professional, he sends such class on the court," Baghdatis told Tennis.com podcast, as quoted on We Love Tennis.

Baghdatis on Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer

Baghdatis never won a Grand Slam and he blames the Big Three for why he finished his career without a Major trophy. Baghdatis reached his lone Grand Slam final in 2006, when he was beaten by Roger Federer in the Australian Open final.

Six months later, Baghdatis reached the Wimbledon semifinal before he was beaten by Nadal. “Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic dominated the tour for more than a decade and a half, not to mention the great Andy Murray.

In my day, to win a Slam, you had to beat at least one or two of these monsters. There were so many talented guys who could have won a major. We think of Jo‐Wilfried Tsonga, Gaël Monfils, Kei Nishikori, David Ferrer and Tomas Berdych, while Marin Cilic managed to seize his chance at the US Open 2014.

The players I mentioned were not in able to win just one Grand Slam because of the Big 3. Murray himself has lost many semi‐finals and finals against them," Baghdatis said. Baghdatis didn't have a great record against Nadal but at least he won one of their 10 meetings. Baghdatis' lone win over Nadal came at the 2010 CIncinnati Masters.