5Foto© hindustantimes.comKing of clay Nadal gets a fond Roland Garros farewell
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The cheers reached a crescendo as the announcer started reading a list. A list of the 14 years in which Rafael Nadal won the French Open. At the end of it stepped out onto Court Philippe Chatrier the man who has dominated a single tournament like no other athlete across sport.
Almost everyone in the stands was dressed for the occasion – in identical brick-red t-shirts that had the words “Merci Rafa” printed on it. Carlos Alcaraz, the reigning champion wore it proudly. And later, Nadal’s greatest rivals Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray stepped on court to pay tribute.
Nadal, in tears, soon started to speak French in a thick Spanish accent. Just like their language, he had put a unique Spanish spin on their beloved Roland Garros.
“ I thought it would be for today or for the duration of this year's tournament, but when they told me it would be forever, I couldn't describe the emotions I felt,
Rafael Nadal,
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“ I don't miss tennis much, because I feel that I gave it all that I had,
Rafael Nadal,
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“ It was unforgettable, plenty of emotions for a guy like me ... I don't love these kind of things because I'm still a little bit shy,
Rafael Nadal,
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“ He was an inspiration for me, the hard work he put in is incredible. He's a nice guy and he worked super hard to achieve everything he did,
Aryna Sabalenka,
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“ At the end, now, it’s all about being happy about everything that we achieved,
Rafael Nadal,
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“ After all these years fighting for everything, it’s unbelievable how time changes the perspective of everything,
Rafael Nadal,
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“ We showed the world that we can fight as hard as possible, but being good colleagues and respecting each other very well. And for me, it means a lot that you are all here,
Rafael Nadal,
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“ I don't know how to start... I've been playing on this court for 20 years. I suffered, I won, I lost. I have lived many emotions here on this court,
Rafael Nadal,
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“ Without doubt, the most important tennis court of my career,
Rafael Nadal,
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“ After all these years fighting for everything, it's unbelievable how time changes the perspective of things,
Rafael Nadal,
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“ Throughout the years I've improved a lot and today I feel physically, mentally... my game is pretty much ready to play on clay. Yeah, I definitely feel stronger than ever,
Aryna Sabalenka,
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