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Nadal says goodbye: one last time in Malaga under tears!
Rafael Nadal celebrates his farewell in Malaga. Despite storms, the city is all about Nadal-Mania and gratitude.
Nadal says goodbye: one last time in Malaga under tears!
Malaga becomes the scene of an emotional farewell! Rafael Nadal, the Spanish tennis titan, ended his impressive career after 22 years on the tour. In the midst of storms and worries about the climate catastrophe, a huge poster at the Palacio de Deportes José María Martín Carpena with the words "Gracias, Rafa" (thank you Rafa) and brings the hearts of fans to melt. The 38-year-old decided to play his last games at the Davis Cup finals after announcing in October: "It just can't be possible".
The tennis world looks spellbound on Nadal, who returns to the square for the last time in his home country. He celebrated his greatest successes on the court Philippe Chatrier in Paris, where he won 14 of his 22 Grand Slam titles. But the physical exertion of the years has requested their toll. After his last official game against Novak Djokovic at the Olympic Games in Paris, the question in which constitution Nadal will compete is burning. "I was able to prepare quite well," said Nadal, who wants to enjoy the week in Malaga.
Tickets sold out at a record pace
The anticipation is huge! The tickets for the game of the Spanish hosts against the Netherlands on Tuesday were out of print within a few hours. Tournament director Feliciano Lopez noticed: "We could also have filled the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu". In Malaga, however, only about 11,300 spectators will be there, including numerous stars from sports, show and politics. The tension increases: Will Nadal play in singles? Every appearance is observed closely and the Nadal-Mania reaches new heights.
The question remains: When will Nadal play his last game? On Tuesday against the Netherlands? In the semi -finals against Germany? Or even in the final on Sunday? Nadal himself emphasizes: "If it makes no sense, then I will be the first to say that". The tennis legend enjoys the last days of his career and reflects on a long and wonderful part of his life. "You have to accept that everything has a beginning and an end," said Nadal. The tennis world will be grateful forever!