under fire opinionsespecially those of Toni Nadal et Carlos Moyathe president of the International Tennis Federation spoke to defend the tribute organized this week in honor of Rafael Nadal.
Criticized by some, Rafael Nadal’s farewell ceremony was “organized according to your wishes”David Haggerty, president of the International Tennis Federation (ITF), insisted on Sunday.
“We considered it essential to respect Rafa’s wishes and the way he wanted to be celebrated.” said David Haggerty, whose organization runs the Davis Cup finals, which ended this weekend in Malaga. “We let ourselves be guided by him and that’s exactly what we did.” He added.
After a Latest defeat against Holland on the night of Tuesday to Wednesday, Nadal’s 23-year career was honored during a thirty-minute ceremony. It included a speech by the player and a tribute video, where iconic figures such as David Beckham, Serena Williamsroger Federer et Novak Djokovic speak.
However, the Malaga Sports Palace hosted few important figures from tennis or world sport for this farewell, the date of which was accelerated by the surprise elimination of Spain against the Netherlands. A very different scenario than Roger Federer’s farewell in London in 2022, marked by the massive presence of the stars of the men’s circuit.
“I would have preferred a grander ceremony, worthy of his exceptional career.” lamented Toni Nadal, the player’s uncle and former coach, on Cadena Ser. Carlos Moyaanother close friend of the champion, declared on Onda Cero that Nadal “I deserved much more than that.”
David Haggerty, for his part, ignored the criticism: “Everyone has the right to their opinion, but the main thing is that Rafa had the ceremony he wanted.” Feliciano López, tournament director, concluded by asking to focus on the essentials: “Rafa chose the Davis Cup for his farewell. “It is better to celebrate this election than to debate the ceremony forever.”
