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Kobe Bryant will be in our hearts and minds for the rest of our lives: Rafael
YB WEB DESK. Dated: 1/28/2020 12:59:55 PM
Melbourne, Jan 27 No.1 seed Rafael Nadal overcame a stiff challenge from local hope Nick Kyrgios over 4 sets to reach the quarterfinals at a Grand Slam tournament for the 41st time in his illustrious career. However, after his win, Nadal paid a heartfelt tribute to Kobe Bryant - former NBA star who died in a helicopter crash on Monday. "I woke up this morning with this terrible news and super sad. He had been one of the greatest sportsmen in history and he deserves a big round of applause," Nadal told John McEnroe after the win. "Well I didn't spend time with him but I met him. I have a very close friend who played with him and was playing with him for a long time. He always told me about his spirit of overcoming and hard work and he always wanted more. "He had been a true inspiration for the world and a lot of kids and of course Kobe Bryant will be in our hearts and minds for the rest of our lives," added Nadal. The 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (6), 7-6 (4) win allowed Nadal to join Jimmy Connors in third place on the all-time list of Grand Slam quarterfinal appearances, behind only Roger Federer (57) and Novak Djokovic (46). Nadal was broken while serving for the match, then was unable to convert two breakpoints in the next game but held his composure