During the Sunshine Double, players participating in the events try to catch different tourist attractions. As seen in the past, several players also decide to watch NBA games and meet up with the best basketball players in the league. Similarly, the biggest names from the basketball world also find their way to the BNP Paribas Open or the Miami Open to catch the best tennis players in action – something that NBA superstars LeBron James and Dwyane Wade did when witnessing Rafael Nadal at the Miami Open 2011.
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Back in 2011, LeBron James and Dwyane Wade decided to pay Rafael Nadal a visit at the Crandon Park Tennis Center in Key Biscayne, Florida. The Miami Heat duo were present at Nadal’s 2nd round clash against Kei Nishikori.
LeBron, Wade, and Wade’s two sons were present on the court for the toss. Following the toss, Rafa and Nishikori also got the customary photo clicked with two of the biggest names in the sporting world.
Talking about their keen interest in Rafa’s match, Wade and James spoke about their decision to catch the Miami Open 2011. D-Wade revealed how they were avid sports enthusiasts in general and wanted to try catching the new experience.
“There’s certain things in Miami that guys should experience,” Wade said, per ESPN. “This is a good experience. It’s something different and it’s a great day off, getting over here with the kids.”
Apart from iterating Wade’s words, LeBron also revealed how he loved paying tribute to one of the “greatest athletes” by watching him live.
“I just respect all the sports and what they do and how they work their craft and try to become great. I think we’re all one. You talk about sport, we’re all one even though we play different sports, and I respect that,” James said, as reported by ESPN.
“Anytime you get an opportunity to have a break and to see some of the greatest athletes in their respective sports, you try to pay a little tribute to it and have fun and you know, I’m excited to be here,” James said with respect to Rafael Nadal, per Tennis TV.
The Spaniard didn’t disappoint the two eventual NBA’s 2011 Eastern Conference champs. The in-form southpaw dominated the match, defeating Japan’s Kei Nishikori 6-4, 6-4.
Rafael Nadal fell to Novak Djokovic in the Miami Open 2011 Finals
Rafael Nadal had quite a mediocre start to the 2011 season, as per his standards. After losing in the semifinals of the Qatar Open, Nadal was defeated by countryman David Ferrer in the quarterfinals of the Australian Open. However, he redeemed himself with his performance in the Sunshine Double.
Merely a few days after finishing the Indian Wells 2011 as the finalist, Rafa had yet another dominant run in the Miami Open 2011. After defeating Kei Nishikori, Feliciano Lopez, Alexandr Dolgopolov, and Tomáš Berdych, Nadal found himself in the semifinals, facing Roger Federer.
Going up against the Swiss, Nadal put up a dominant performance, winning the match in straight sets – 6-3, 6-2.
However, Novak Djokovic, who already defeated him in the previous ATP 1000 Tournament finals a few weeks ago, got the better of Rafael Nadal in the Finals. Despite clinching the first set, Nadal eventually lost the action-packed tie 6-4, 3-6, 6-7.
