Ellison, who calls himself a Rafael Nadal "fan boy," spoke of the dramatic 2009 Australian Open five-set semifinal between Nadal and Fernando Verdasco and of the emotions two days later in the final when Nadal beat Federer, who cried when it was over. Nadal's graciousness, Ellison said, was a lesson for everyone.

"Rafa was so upset Roger had lost," Ellison said. "Rafa was really upset, he was almost in tears. As fierce as he is on the court, and no one fights harder than Rafa, he is even a nicer person. Rafa is the kid you want to adopt. Roger seems like a man. Rafa is a big kid.