Rafael Nadal performed two matches on the ‘Six Kings Slam‘ in Saudi Arabia, placing on a most effort regardless of a really precarious bodily situation. The Spanish legend – who had not performed a match for the reason that Paris Olympics this summer time – was defeated in two units by each Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion had a good time and was capable of greet the followers, thanking them for the help they confirmed all through his profession. Rafa not too long ago introduced his choice to retire from the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga subsequent month. The 38-year-old Manacor has performed his finest to return to the highest stage, however his physique not responds as it could want and the outcomes obtained in 2024 are emblematic of his present difficulties. The 14-time French Open champion has made historical past on this sport and can’t be content material with a second-tier position, which is why his choice to retire appeared proper to everybody.
Nadal will attempt to assist his Spain group in Malaga in November, nevertheless it’s clear that the group’s destiny shall be within the arms of four-time Grand Slam champion Carlitos Alcaraz. Rafa will have the ability to assist particularly in doubles, the place his expertise is ready to make the distinction. The ‘Six Kings Slam’ was purported to be the penultimate occasion of Rafa’s legendary profession, who doesn’t appear intent on including extra tournaments earlier than the Davis Cup Finals. “I’ll miss every thing, virtually 20 years of profession. I performed in essentially the most stunning locations on the planet, these I dreamed of as a baby. I needed to change into an expert and I’ve fulfilled my dream. I thank my group and the tennis household. I really feel fortunate”.
“I used to be very fortunate, I at all times had the sensation that they liked me lots in all of the tournaments I’ve participated in my profession. It’s exhausting to explain, however the power and private satisfaction you’re feeling if you really feel individuals help is one thing very particular, I can’t thank everybody sufficient”, Rafael Nadal expressed his gratitude after the wave of affection he obtained in Riyadh on the Six King Slam.
A golden racket
Along with the wealthy monetary compensation for his participation on this exhibition match, the Spanish champion was additionally awarded a precious object, as recognition of his legendary profession. A full golden racket weighing 3 kg, value about 250 thousand euros. A beneficiant present from the oil lords definitely appreciated by Rafa, which is able to in all probability be saved collectively together with his 22 Grand Slam titles.
Solely the Davis Cup Finals between Rafael Nadal and the ultimate retirement from aggressive tournaments stays. Concerning the future and new life with out tennis: “It is going to be a giant change in my life. I would like time to determine what I need to do sooner or later, since I used to be a baby I lived as an expert athlete. Now I concentrate on the preparation for the Davis Cup and luxuriate in these final months as an expert. I don’t need to put stress on myself, I’ll simply want time to consider it”, he concluded in an interview with the media.
Along with his extraordinary expertise, Nadal’s talent that made him so particular was his rejection of defeat and his means to play each level as if it had been the final certainly one of his life. The period of the Large 3 is nearly over, though Djokovic shall be energetic once more subsequent yr. The Serbian ace is the youngest of the three and nonetheless seems aggressive, though he has not gained a single title this yr (aside from the gold medal on the Paris Olympics).
Man Overlook praises Rafa
Throughout an interview with L’Equipe, former ATP ace Man Overlook paid tribute to the Spaniard: “We will say that Federer was technically essentially the most completed, essentially the most unbelievable when he performed properly. We will say that Djokovic is the perfect returner, the participant who misses the least, essentially the most troublesome to counter, however for me, the perfect mentally is Nadal. On this respect, I place him above Roger and Novak.
When another legends may present indicators of irritation and even quit in the course of the match, I by no means noticed him decrease his head or admit defeat. Till the final level. And even if you examine him to Jimmy Connors or Lleyton Hewitt — monsters of pugnacity, resilience — he was means above. It was in all probability his best power, this means, no matter his bodily drawback, the rating, his opponent or the floor, to always say to himself: ‘I’m going to search out the answer and I’m going to get by means of it’. I don’t know the place he acquired this power from.”