Nadal’s legacy – AS.com
“I leave with peace of mind that I left behind a legacy that I truly feel is not only sporting, but also personal. I understand that the love I receive, if it only concerned what happens on the court, would not be like this,” Rafa Nadal said last Tuesday during the farewell ceremony for the professional tennis player. In his speech, the 38-year-old Spaniard focused on the aspect that he considers the most important in his career. “I would like to be remembered as a good person from a small town in Mallorca. who was lucky enough to have an uncle who is a coach and a wonderful family. A boy who followed his dreams and worked as hard as he could,” he insisted.
And the fact is that this is exactly how his colleagues see him. “The first thing Rafa learned was the passion to live with, which he showed every time I was able to see him in first person. Davis lived it with passion on and off the court, it’s incredible. I was lucky that he was nearby, shared the locker room, played doubles…”, admitted Carlos Alcaraz, who will try every day to “be the best person and player” he can be. “And if at the end of my career I achieve even half of what he has, I will be more than happy,” he added at a subsequent press conference. before his defeat in doubles.
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The Spanish captain also spoke in it: David Ferrerwho decided that Nadal would play for the first point in the Davis Cup Final 8 match. “Goodbyes are always sad, someone special is passing away and will always be remembered. He is an athlete who has left his mark all over the world and in society. It’s hard to find someone with such humility and respect for everyone.” Marcel Granollers, who belongs to the same generation, admitted that the national team would like to “give him this Davis.” “It couldn’t happen, but we have to thank him for the way he built his career and the values he passed on, it’s admirable.”
Ferrer, Alcaraz and Granollers are three players who have been greatly influenced by Nadal’s figure. Botik van de Zandschulp, his executioner in Malaga, wrote on social networks: “I have watched him play for thousands of hours since he was a child who dreamed of performing on big stages. “I never thought I would play against him, especially to share this moment with a true legend.” Italian Lorenzo Musetti was spotted training with Martin Carpena wearing a Nadal T-shirt. American Sebastian Korda calls him his idol and even asked him for a T-shirt when he first met him at Roland Garros 2020.
Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova (an American and a Russian awarded him a personalized rubber band) and Iga Swiatek are among the tennis players who admire him. And, of course, his great rivals: Federer and Djokovic. “Like an old friend, I will always support you and encourage you just as much in whatever you do next. Best forever. Your fan, Roger” wrote the Swiss. “You leave an incredible legacy. Thank you very much for everything you have given and for what you have left in the world of tennis. Don’t retire, man, stay a little longer,” the Serb snapped when they faced each other a few weeks ago at the Six Kings Slam in Riyadh. The praise doesn’t just come from tennis. “From the time I saw you win your first Grand Slam in 2005 until your last in 2022, you have been a hero to me and an inspiration for my own career.”said Irish golfer Rory McIlroy.
Nadal also left his mark in the places where he performed, such as in Paris, where Nike paid tribute to him, and in sports institutions. “I leave with the feeling that when I return to the tournament, they will be happy to see me” Rafa stated this in a recent interview with AS. I am sure that you will soon have the opportunity to verify this.
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