Non-tennis tributes to Rafael Nadal's career: Pau Gasol toasts his 'amigo,' while Rory McIlroy hails his 'hero'

Rod Laver has long been a fixture at the Australian Open—his name is on the main stadium, after all. But, increasingly, the tennis legend has been weighing in on the current state of the game, from the present stars, to the up-and-comers, to the latest rule changes.

The Rocket offered his insights on all of these things on Twitter on Thursday in an #AskRod Q&A, in which he addressed topics like ...

Hello everyone, I’m ready to answer your questions. #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/g1fxUEdtC3
— Rod Laver (@rodlaver) January 24, 2019

Advertising

Who will win the men's final ...

.@CliffordsCougar - @RafaelNadal - I originally thought Novak would win, and he'll put up a great front, but at this moment I feel Rafa is the favourite. https://t.co/xa4hSO2ZAd
— Rod Laver (@rodlaver) January 24, 2019

How many more Slams to anticipate from Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal ...

Advertising

.@mjb1963 Federer has one, @RafaelNadal two or 3. https://t.co/Y5PV8C71gh
— Rod Laver (@rodlaver) January 24, 2019

And who will finish the year with the top men's ranking:

.@leon_kerninger @DjokerNole - he's playing well. He's over his tennis elbow and he's prepared to put the effort in https://t.co/XW1gkqmGNE
— Rod Laver (@rodlaver) January 24, 2019

Advertising

He also had some complimentary things to say about Naomi Osaka and Serena Williams:

.@andyzzle1 My favourite is being down here and seeing all the changes that Melbourne has accomplished in the last 10 years. I watch @Naomi_Osaka_ - she's very talented and competes hard. Novak and Rafa are favourites of mine. https://t.co/V7wFSn1LhM
— Rod Laver (@rodlaver) January 24, 2019

.@pete_nz69 I would have to say @serenawilliams - there have been other good players, but Serena is top of the class in how she plays matches. She has the best serve in the game and she plays her matches extremely well. https://t.co/2qz1dDLt8q
— Rod Laver (@rodlaver) January 24, 2019

Advertising

Additionally, Laver gave his thoughts on the younger men, including Stefanos Tsitsipas, who's had a bit of a breakthrough this fortnight ...

.@tom_davidson I've watched him and I know he's the new kid on the bloke. He's got a great game, he plays a tough all court game. I would say he's going to be in the top 10 in 2 years. It all depends on his fitness. He has all the makings of a champion. https://t.co/AcbboBwrY5
— Rod Laver (@rodlaver) January 24, 2019

And Alexander Zverev, who again fell short of his high expectations ...

Advertising

.@the_sportopedia It's difficult to know. He's certainly capable. Probably the preparation, but he's certainly capable of doing well at any of the Grand Slams. https://t.co/x6WTlrb18R
— Rod Laver (@rodlaver) January 24, 2019

As well as Nick Kyrgios, whose year is off to slow start:

.@LuisGatTWI He's got to get mentally tougher. That's the one thing that is letting him down. But his attitude towards competing and his concentration is lacking. https://t.co/fRLz6rFSW6
— Rod Laver (@rodlaver) January 24, 2019

Advertising

He did, however, have high praise for both Alex de Minaur and Denis Shapovalov:

.@homekrishnaa - Probably @alexdeminaur - he's a tough player. He's great at being able to find a way to beat an opponent. The other one is @denis_shapo https://t.co/0BBH3S2IgS
— Rod Laver (@rodlaver) January 24, 2019

Last, he expressed his approval of one of this Australian Open's newest innovations, the deciding-set super tiebreak:

Advertising

.@GKspts - no, I like the 5th set tiebreakers that have been introduced. It's great having it at 6-6 and 10 points. https://t.co/hfZ8PwoGMm
— Rod Laver (@rodlaver) January 24, 2019

On top of being entertaining, Laver's renewed presence in tennis in recent years has done wonders for connecting the sport we know today to its last six decades of history.

Advertising

Baseline