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 season – was defeated in two units by each Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion had a good time and was in a position to greet the followers, thanking them for the help they confirmed all through his profession. Rafa just lately introduced his resolution to retire from the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga subsequent month. The 38-year-old Manacor has executed his greatest to return to the highest degree, however his physique now not responds as it might 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 resolution to retire appeared proper to everybody.
Nadal will attempt to assist his Spain staff in Malaga in November, but it surely’s clear that the staff’s destiny shall be within the palms 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 imagined 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 all the pieces, nearly 20 years of profession. I performed in probably the most stunning locations on this planet, these I dreamed of as a baby. I wished to turn out to be an expert and I’ve fulfilled my dream. I thank my staff and the tennis household. I really feel fortunate”.
“I used to be very fortunate, I at all times had the sensation that they beloved me rather a lot in all of the tournaments I’ve participated in my profession. It’s arduous to explain, however the vitality and private satisfaction you’re feeling whenever you really feel folks help is one thing very particular, I can’t thank everybody sufficient”, Rafael Nadal expressed his gratitude after the wave of affection he acquired 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 useful 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 can most likely be stored collectively along with his 22 Grand Slam titles.
Solely the Davis Cup Finals between Rafael Nadal and the ultimate retirement from aggressive tournaments stays. In regards to the future and new life with out tennis: “Will probably be an enormous change in my life. I want time to resolve what I wish 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 wish to put strain 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 ability that made him so particular was his rejection of defeat and his potential to play each level as if it had been the final one among his life. The period of the Huge 3 is sort of over, though Djokovic shall be lively once more subsequent 12 months. The Serbian ace is the youngest of the three and nonetheless appears to be like aggressive, though he has not gained a single title this 12 months (apart from the gold medal on the Paris Olympics).
Man Neglect praises Rafa
Throughout an interview with L’Equipe, former ATP ace Man Neglect paid tribute to the Spaniard: “We are able to say that Federer was technically probably the most completed, probably the most unbelievable when he performed properly. We are able to say that Djokovic is the perfect returner, the participant who misses the least, probably 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 through the match, I by no means noticed him decrease his head or admit defeat. Till the final level. And even whenever you evaluate him to Jimmy Connors or Lleyton Hewitt — monsters of pugnacity, resilience — he was manner above. It was most likely his biggest power, this potential, no matter his bodily drawback, the rating, his opponent or the floor, to always say to himself: ‘I’m going to seek out the answer and I’m going to get by means of it’. I don’t know the place he bought this power from.”
