In a fitting tribute to his illustrious career, Rafael Nadal was presented with a solid gold tennis racket complete with golden strings after his final match against Novak Djokovic at the Six Kings Slam exhibition in Riyadh. The golden racket, a remarkable gift from the tournament organizers, symbolizes Nadal’s extraordinary contributions to tennis over the years.
Nadal, who announced his retirement following the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga next month, played what is likely to be his last singles match against his greatest rival, Djokovic. The match ended with Djokovic winning 6-2, 7-6 (7/5), but the score was secondary to the emotional significance of the occasion.
The Spaniard, known for his tenacity and resilience, delivered some vintage moments during the match, including several crowd-pleasing forehands down the line. Despite the loss, Nadal left the court with a big smile, expressing his gratitude for the incredible rivalry and support he received throughout his career.
Novak Djokovic, in an on-court interview, implored Nadal not to leave tennis, acknowledging the impact the Spaniard had on his own career. “Don’t leave tennis, man,” Djokovic said, adding, “You left an incredible legacy and we really appreciate it”.
The golden racket, speculated to be worth around $10 million, is a testament to Nadal’s lasting impact on the sport. As he prepares to step away from professional tennis, Nadal will continue his association with Saudi Arabia as an ambassador for the kingdom.
Reflecting on his career, Nadal shared, “I’m going to miss almost everything. It’s been a dream come true to be able to play for almost 20 years. Having the chance to play in the best places in the world. It’s something I watched on TV as a kid. In the end, I realized my dream to become a pro tennis player and be a successful one”.
As Nadal bids farewell to the tennis world, his legacy as one of the greatest players of all time is secure. The golden racket serves as a lasting reminder of his remarkable journey and the indelible mark he has left on the sport.
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