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Goodbye Tennis-LegendeTouching video message: Nadal is in tears
Even before his last match, Rafael Nadal had tears in his eyes. The tennis world says goodbye to one of the greatest in history.
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Iconic Nadal homage in Paris
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Rafael Nadal’s great career is over.
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When he said goodbye in Malaga, the Spaniard was in tears.
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Nadal emphasizes that he wants to be remembered as a good person.
Rafael Nadal’s unique career ended abruptly. As a cheering fan in the stands, the tennis legend saw his career come to an end at the Davis Cup in Malaga with the defeat of his Spanish doubles colleagues without any involvement of his own.
Nadal had previously played his last match against Botic van de Zandschulp in straight sets and lost. Even before the game, “Rafa” had tears in his eyes when the Spanish anthem was played. After his resignation was confirmed, the 38-year-old’s tears really flowed when a touching video message was played on the video cube in the hall.
Rafael Nadal: Roger Federer greets
Numerous companions such as Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic or football icons David Beckham, Andrés Iniesta, Iker Casillas and Raúl spoke in the video message and wished Nadal all the best. “The way I want to be remembered is as a good person from a small village in Mallorca,” said Nadal as he took the floor in his farewell speech.
Many people work hard and pursue their best every single day, explained the 22-time Grand Slam winner. “I was very lucky,” he emphasized. “I was a child who pursued his dream and who achieved more than I could have ever imagined,” Nadal continued.
Nadal’s wife Maria and his two-year-old son Rafael listened to the words in the stands, along with the rest of the family. The Dutch fans also paid respect to the superstar and applauded during the Spaniard’s emotional farewell speech in Malaga.
Grosse Nadal-Homage in Paris
In Paris, Nadal’s supplier Nike even paid homage to his tennis figurehead with a large illuminated homage near the Eiffel Tower. In the French capital, the Spaniard celebrated the greatest successes of his career with 14 titles at Roland Garros.
«Why am I so moved by Nadal’s retirement? I’m not good at saying goodbye,” Serena Williams commented on the tennis legend’s farewell show on X. Roger Federer had already posted an emotional letter to his former rival on Tuesday afternoon.
Greats from other sports also spoke up. “You will be missed, but I am sure that you will not stop inspiring us in the next chapter of your career,” wrote returning skier Lindsey Vonn on Instagram.
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