Rafael Nadal having announced that the end of his career would come during the final stages of the Davis Cup (from November 19 to 24), the tennis world has been paying tribute for two days to the Spanish legend.
The newspaper The Team a series of testimonies was released for the occasion in which people from the Roland‐Garros organization highlight Rafa’s class.
Aurélien Pajot, personal driver of the man with 14 titles at Porte d’Auteuil, tells some tasty anecdotes.
“A bond was created over time. When we met each year, there was a big hug. We sometimes send each other a few text messages to wish each other a happy new year and to catch up on family news. In the car, with his team, they either spoke in Majorcan, which I did not understand, or in Castilian, which meant that I was invited to participate in the discussion. We almost never talked about tennis, more about football, potential transfers, Real Madrid, etc. Rafa is really not a difficult customer. Apart from the trip to the stadium, to a sponsor or to a restaurant, it is very undemanding. I just remember one time when we stopped on the Champs‐Élysées because he wanted to buy an ice cream. Needless to say, there were quickly crowds in the store! What has marked me in ten years is his kindness. Several times, when saying goodbye after taking him to the airport, he would offer me a gift, his bag, a pair of autographed shoes, without me asking for anything. »
Published on Saturday October 12, 2024 at 08:58
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