Tennis legend Rafael Nadal is now inching closer to a grand tribute that has been planned for him at the upcoming French Open 2025, slated to take place on May 25 in Paris. However, the 22-time Grand Slam winner's thoughts on his tribute make him uncomfortable ahead of the prestigious tournament.
Legendary player Nadal retired from the game back in 2024 after playing the Davis Cup Finals. The 38-year-old star player has received a warm farewell, but the tennis world feels that it didn't do justice to Nadal, considering what he has done in the game and how he has taken the sport to the pinnacle of the sport. Thereafter, Nadal was approached by the French Open last year for his candid thoughts on potentially making a presence felt in a tribute.
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Why does Rafael Nadal feel uncomfortable about his French Open tribute?
Rafael Nadal declined his tribute at that time, but he wasn't sure of his future in the sport. As the French Open 2025 is around the corner, Nadal believes that he generally does not like tributes and all. The 14-time French Open winner stated that he does not like being the center of attention. Nadal stated that he likes to be at the center of attention after performing his best in tennis, but this tribute gives him a big headache.
"It makes me uncomfortable because I'm not very good at this kind of thing. I don't really like tributes. I'm not a person who needs that sort of thing. I really don't. I'm not someone with a big ego. I live well with a bit of anonymity, a bit of tranquillity. But I understand this moment at Roland-Garros because it's a story we've lived together. But as I said, I don't feel very comfortable at the center of attention. When I played tennis, yes, but apart from that, the tributes give me a bit of a headache," Rafael Nadal said.
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