“He’s probably my favorite sportsman in the world” – When Tiger Woods’ big achievement made Tennis icon Rafael Nadal “emotional”

Rafael Nadal was “emotional” after watching Tiger Woods win his fifth Masters title in 2019. Nadal’s respect for Woods was more than it might have been otherwise, as the golfer underwent back surgery before the 2019 Masters and yet managed to win what is his last major title.

Rafa also compared his health setbacks with Woods and praised the legendary golfer’s comebacks. He said (via RafaelNadalfans.com),

“There have been tough years for him…I cannot be happier about the victory of yesterday…If you imagine all the process and all the hard work that he had to do to be back on a golf course — all the things that he did…And, finally, to win a Grand Slam again, especially in Augusta, probably his favourite one, means everything for him.

“I really know a little bit how hard he worked to be back. I was very emotional yesterday…The celebration of yesterday when he was walking with the family, was one of the moments that I won’t forget…I’m a big fan of him. Like I’ve said hundreds of times, that he’s probably my favourite sportsman in the world since a long time ago.”

Tiger Woods won the 2019 Masters with a score of 13 under. He shot 70 in the opening round, with four birdies, and 68 in the second round, including six birdies. Woods scored 67 in the third round, with 6 birdies, and 70 in the fourth round, with 6 birdies.

A look at Tiger Woods’ major wins

Tiger Woods turned professional in 1996 and his first major win came at the 1997 Masters. Woods won that tournament by defeating Tom Kite by nine. His next major triumph came at the 1999 PGA Championship with a score of 11 under 277 as he beat the challenge of Sergio Garcia.

Woods’ last Major win came at the 2019 Masters, with a score of 13 under 275. Woods has won at Augusta National five times, in 1997, 2001, 2002, 2005 and 2019.

Here’s the entire list of Tiger Woods’ triumphs at the majors:

1997 Masters: −18 (70-66-65-69=270)
1999 PGA Championship: −11 (70-67-68-72=277)
2000 U.S. Open: −12 (65-69-71-67=272)
2000 The Open Championship: −19 (67-66-67-69=269)
2000 PGA Championship: −18 (66-67-70-67=270)
2001 Masters: −16 (70-66-68-68=272)
2002 Masters: −12 (70-69-66-71=276)
2002 U.S. Open: −3 (67-68-70-72=277)
2005 Masters: −12 (74-66-65-71=276)
2005 The Open Championship: −14 (66-67-71-70=274)
2006 The Open Championship: −18 (67-65-71-67=270)
2006 PGA Championship: −18 (69-68-65-68=270)
2007 PGA Championship: −8 (71-63-69-69=272)
2008 U.S. Open: −1 (72-68-70-73=283)
2019 Masters: −13 (70-68-67-70=275)