Rafael Nadal donates racquet and signed t-shirt to help victims of Turkey earthquake

Rafael Nadal has shown his class once more, donating one of his racquets along with a signed t-shirt to help the victims of the earthquake that hit Turkey last month.

Major parts of Turkey and Syria were affected by a massive earthquake (registering 7.8 on the Richter scale) last month that claimed the lives of over 50,000 people across both countries, while more than 120,000 people were injured.

Nadal played his part in helping earthquake victims in Turkey as he donated a racquet and a signed t-shirt. The Spaniard made the announcement on a video which has since been shared on social media.

"Hello. I wanted to send you this racquet and this shirt signed for this huge disaster that occurred in Turkey. We hope that it will get better soon and that the people who are injured can really be helped, as well as the families that have lost so much. A big hug," Nadal says in the video.

The 36-year-old is currently recovering from the hip injury he suffered at the Australian Open, which has led to him missing the Indian Wells and Miami Masters.

"I am sad that I won’t be able to compete at Indian Wells nor Miami. Very sad not to be there. I’ll miss all my US fans but I hope to see them later this year during the summer swing," he said.

"I felt clueless"- Casper Ruud on facing Rafael Nadal on clay

Rafael Nadal and Casper Ruud after their match at the ATP Finals

Casper Ruud recently admitted during his stint at the Indian Wells Masters that he felt clueless while facing Rafael Nadal on clay.

"Rafa on clay has been the one that really I felt clueless what to do and chanceless as well," the Norwegian said.

Ruud also mentioned that facing the Mallorcan on clay was harder than facing Novak Djokovic on hard-courts because it always felt like the Spaniard was playing in his backyard.

"Not taking anything away from Novak because whenever its important on a hard-court, he steps up. He'll break you or play some unreal rally," Ruud said.

"But just the general feeling every point being thrown at you with an incredible amount of top-spin or how Rafa just locks you in one corner. You feel like you're on his home ground and in his backyard. For me that was some of the most difficult opponents I've ever played," he added.

After missing out on the Indian Wells and Miami Masters, the 22-time Grand Slam champion will look to return to action during the clay-court season.