The CEO of the Mutua Madrid Open, Feliciano Lopez, offered (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 along with her legendary countryman. Feliciano appeared visibly emotional through the ceremony, which celebrated Rafa for what he has executed all through his profession and his victories in Madrid.
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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 arrange this ceremony for Rafa, contemplating the combo of emotions and really robust feelings.
“It was actually emotional. Everybody was excited pondering that one of many matches performed right here can be the final in Madrid. Jiri Lehecka performed very properly, however I am nonetheless joyful for Rafa as a result of he has made a number of 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.
“It is troublesome to arrange 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% positive of his situation. He did not say: ‘I’ll play my final match 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 have been prepared. Rafa is a legend, we’re not simply speaking about tennis. He’s particular, not only for the titles he received. He was one of the crucial vital moments within the historical past of this match: he received 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 reminiscences, one above all: his ardour for every part he does. Spending time with him, enjoying Davis Cup doubles, I’ve shared many unimaginable moments with him over the past twenty years.
It is onerous for all of us, I noticed folks’s disappointment after the match he misplaced towards Lehecka. It is a type of moments you realize is coming, however you don’t need it to occur. It is onerous to simply accept,” added Feliciano.
The Manolo Santana Stadium remained in infinite silence through the photographs 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 regular class, creating one of the crucial emotional moments in current tennis historical past.
