Emotions were high during the tribute ceremony to the man with 14 titles at Roland-Garros.
A Tennis legend has bowed out. The defeat of Spain in doubles having precipitated his retreat. Alone in the middle of the court, and acclaimed by his audience to the sound of “Rafa, Rafa”the former world number one first held back his tears by multiplying his thanks: “I was very lucky to feel so much affection from all over the world, especially from Spain. It’s been 20 years of professional career during which you have always supported me, in good times and in bad” In the first singles of the day, the Majorcan left-hander lost in two sets against the 80th player in the world, winner 6-4, 6-4. “I want to thank the whole Spanish team that is here. It didn't turn out the way we all would have liked, but I gave what I had and I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for giving me the opportunity to spend these last days as professional within a team. It's with them that I experienced most of the most exciting moments of my career, we made the most of it and now it's up to you (his teammates) to continue.
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The four-time winner of the event continued: “I feel privileged to have had a much longer career than I could have ever imagined (…) I am going to retire from professional tennis, but I am still here, I hope to be a good ambassador for the world tennis, that's what I've tried to do all my life, to strive every day to be better, to show respect, humility and appreciate all good things. And the emotion was there when he thanked his family, who played an essential role in his career, particularly his uncle and coach Toni Nadal. “ I want to say goodbye by thanking my family, who never let me down, when things seemed impossible, they kept me grounded.”
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After shedding tears when the Spanish anthem sounded before the Spain – Netherlands match, the 38-year-old champion was once again overcome by emotions when a video was broadcast where big names from Spanish and international sport testified: (Serena Williams, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic) for the legends of tennis. (Iker Casillas, Raul, Rodri, Andres Iniesta) for the stars of Spanish football. The unfortunate captain of the Iberians David Ferrer then took the microphone and asked Nadal what mark he thinks he left, the newly retired blurted: “The titles, the records are there, but I would like to be remembered as a good person, who remembers his origins, a little guy from Mallorca. I was lucky that my uncle and my family supported me at all times to achieve my dreams. I want to be remembered as the boy who made his dreams come true. »
