The CEO of the Mutua Madrid Open, Feliciano Lopez, introduced (along with Gerard Tsobanian) a particular trophy to Rafael Nadal, who performed the ATP Masters 1000 in Madrid for the final time in his profession.
Lopez shared so many unimaginable moments together with her legendary countryman. Feliciano appeared visibly emotional throughout the ceremony, which celebrated Rafa for what he has finished all through his profession and his victories in Madrid.
Nadal is the best tennis participant historical past has ever seen on a clay courtroom and, in a really touching second, he was awarded by Lopez, who defined how troublesome it was to prepare this ceremony for Rafa, contemplating the combination of emotions and really sturdy feelings.
“It was actually emotional. Everybody was excited considering that one of many matches performed right here could be the final in Madrid. Jiri Lehecka performed very nicely, however I am nonetheless completely satisfied for Rafa as a result of he has made numerous progress. That is one thing to contemplate as Paris is upon us. Simply seeing him again on the pitch is nice information,” informed Lopez Sky Sports activities.
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“It is troublesome to prepare one thing for a legend like him, as a result of he did not retire in Madrid. He nonetheless left the door open, as a result of he is not 100% certain of his situation. He did not say: ‘I’ll play my final event in Madrid, Rome or Paris.’ So it was onerous to determine what to do: one thing particular however not associated to his final sport ever.
I feel it was all very thrilling. It was all deliberate and we had been prepared. Rafa is a legend, we’re not simply speaking about tennis. He’s particular, not only for the titles he gained. He was one of the essential moments within the historical past of this event: he gained 5 titles right here, he’s the best sportsman within the historical past of Spain.
So it was a extremely particular second for us. I’ve many recollections, one above all: his ardour for every little thing he does. Spending time with him, taking part in Davis Cup doubles, I’ve shared many unimaginable moments with him during the last twenty years.
It is onerous for all of us, I noticed folks’s disappointment after the match he misplaced towards Lehecka. It is a kind of moments you realize is coming, however you don’t need it to occur. It is onerous to just accept,” added Feliciano.
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The Manolo Santana Stadium remained in infinite silence throughout the pictures that the organizers of the Mutua Madrid Open broadcast to pay tribute to Rafael Nadal. A really magical and, on the identical time, nostalgic second.
Nadal greeted the house followers along with his typical class, creating one of the emotional moments in current tennis historical past.
