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Rafael Nadal honored as best Spanish sportsman at Mundo Deportivo awards in his first public appearance since retirement

Tennis legend Nadal retired after an illustrious career spanning over two decades, concluding with a heartfelt farewell during the Davis Cup quarter-finals in November 2024.

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Pratyusha Bhawar
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Rafael Nadal

Photograph: (Twitter)

Tennis legend Rafael Nadal recently made his first public appearance since retiring from the sport when he was honoured as the Best Spanish Sportsman by Mundo Deportivo. This award showcases his remarkable consistency in tennis as well as his great contribution to the sport, where he is celebrated as one of the greatest players of all time. The star player attended the Gran Gala de Mundo Deportivo on February 3, 2025, in Barcelona, where he received the award.

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Nadal's presence at the event was marked as a significant moment, as it was his first public engagement after his retirement from late 2024. Nadal retired after an illustrious career spanning over two decades, concluding with a heartfelt farewell during the Davis Cup quarterfinals in November 2024. His retirement came after facing back-to-back injuries that limited his performance on the tennis court.

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Rafael Nadal expressed gratitude and reflected back on his career

The star player's legacy included 22 Grand Slam titles in his illustrious career and numerous records, particularly on clay courts. The 38-year-old is often hailed as King of Clay due to his recent success at the French Open. In response to receiving the award, the star player expressed gratitude and reflected back on his career, speaking about the honour of being hailed among Spain's sporting greats.

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"Well, perfectly. Personally, I am happy and otherwise, trying to adapt to what is a new facet of my life that, for now, I am managing well. At the moment, I do not miss the day-to-day; I am fine as I am. In the end, the last few years were difficult, which also helps me not to miss it so much. I retired three months ago; I cannot say it with total clarity yet but for now, I am fine," Rafael Nadal said.

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Tennis ATP Rafael Nadal
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