Video - When Nadal Has Fun Aiming at McEnroe in the Booth: A Classic Tennis Moment to Rewatch
After his victory against Schwartzman in the 2019 US Open quarterfinals (6-4, 7-5, 6-2), Nadal didn't just settle for greeting the crowd: he aimed at... and hit the ESPN commentators' booth. A rare moment of connection that has become iconic.
Rafael Nadal, true to his reputation as a perfectionist... and a prankster, grabbed a ball and casually aimed at a very specific target: the ESPN TV commentary booth, located at mid-height of the court, without glass. Inside: two legends, John McEnroe, former champion turned consultant, and Chris Fowler, seasoned journalist.
The shot is precise and the ball lands right in the booth, narrowly missing Chris Fowler, who tries to catch it in an awkward reflex. Laughter echoes in the stands. Nadal, laughing, points at John McEnroe with a friendly wink. The latter responds immediately, giving a thumbs-up, visibly impressed by the quality of the shot.
A few hours later, it is on X (formerly Twitter) that the event goes viral. Chris Fowler shares a photo of himself with the ball in hand, with this message: "The cherished memory of the time when Rafael Nadal aimed at us in our booth after the match. Several had tried, and he finally succeeded."
