(EFE) Rafael Nadal has been termed “the most Parisian of the Mallorcans,” by the mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, upon receiving the Grand Vermeil, the highest honour the city can bestow.
Tennis player Rafael Nadal poses with the Grand Vermeil Paris medal, he received from Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, right, during a ceremony at the Paris city Hall, in Paris, France, Thursday, May 21, 2015. By winning the 2014 French Open, Nadal became the only male player to win a single Grand Slam tournament nine times and he begins the defense of his title for the upcoming French Open at Roland Garros stadium next week. (AP Photo/Francois Mori)
Tennis player Rafael Nadal looks on prior to receive from Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo the Grand Vermeil Paris medal during a ceremony at the Paris city Hall, in Paris, France, Thursday, May 21, 2015. By winning the 2014 French Open, Nadal became the only male player to win a single Grand Slam tournament nine times and he begins defense his title on the upcoming French Open at Roland Garros stadium next week.(AP Photo/Francois Mori)
Tennis player Rafael Nadal poses with the Grand Vermeil Paris medal, after receiving it from Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo during a ceremony at the Paris City Hall, Thursday, May 21, 2015. By winning the 2014 French Open, Nadal became the only male player to win a single Grand Slam tournament nine times and he begins defense his title on the upcoming French Open at Roland Garros stadium next week. (AP Photo/Francois Mori)
Tennis player Rafael Nadal signs autographs after he received the Grand Vermeil Paris medal from Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo during a ceremony at the Paris City Hall, in Paris, France, Thursday, May 21, 2015. By winning the 2014 French Open, Nadal became the only male player to win a single Grand Slam tournament nine times and he begins defense his title on the upcoming French Open at Roland Garros stadium next week. (AP Photo/Francois Mori)
Tennis player Rafael Nadal signs autographs after he received the Grand Vermeil Paris medal from Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo during a ceremony at the Paris City Hall, in Paris, France, Thursday, May 21, 2015. By winning the 2014 French Open, Nadal became the only male player to win a single Grand Slam tournament nine times and he begins defense his title on the upcoming French Open at Roland Garros stadium next week. (AP Photo/Francois Mori)
Fotografía facilitada por la alcaldía de París que muestra al tenista Rafa Nadal (2d) tras recibir la Medalla Grand Vermeil, la mayor condecoración de la ciudad, de manos de la alcaldesa de la ciudad Anne Hidalgo (d) durante una ceremonia celebrada en el ayuntamiento de París, Francia hoy 21 de mayo de 2015. EFE/Henri Garat **SÓLO USO EDITORIAL/NO VENTAS**
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo said: “Nadal has marked and continues to mark the history of Paris. The history of Roland Garros cannot be written without Rafael Nadal.” Hidalgo added that Rafa has been “an exemplary champion who has always maintained his humility.”
Our champ thanked the city for the honour, describing Paris as the “most important city” in his career, and the one where he “came of age as a sportsman.”
Congrats Rafa!
Source: as.com
I heartily agree with the other commentators in suggesting that Center Court be named the Rafael Nadal Court! Congratulations, Rafa, for having won this most deserved honor, and I wish you much success in winning your Tenth French Open!!! VAMOS, RAFA!
Yes, yes, yes, yes!! that is what I thought!! There will never be again another Rafa in Roland Garros, ever!!
Yo adoro a Rafa y no es que sea una jovencita , tengo 81años me gusta mucho el tenis . Rafa es un gran jugador , para my el mejor y como persona buenisimo , que tenga suerte y gane Paris el puede hacerlo tiene una inteligencia increible , que no gana no pasa nada ,lo sentiria por el pero yo le seguire queriendo igual
A fitting honour for a man who has ruled in Roland Garros and demonstrated all that is best in dignity and sportsmanship.
Congratulations Rafa,,,,,I hope and pray we are saying congratulations on your 10th ROLAND GAROS ,vamos Rafa
so well deserved , he is such a gentleman, and a good example to all sports people the world over , well done, Rafa, vamos!!
We should pray for you to have excellent
health to win the RG 10 TH TIME. ALL THE BEST RAFA .
Congrats Rafa, people of Paris love you, just a few ones with very bad taste don’t . I’m sure you are ready for the 10, you just need to play like you know, that’s all
WHAT A GREAT HONOUR! VAMOS RAFA!
Congrats Rafa. He looks so happy at the photos. Good luck for #10! You can do it! We are all behind you. Love you Rafa!
Congratulations, Rafa. That is such a special honor. Rafa also looks so handsome and
happy! Best wishes in Paris!
Yes, Centre Court needs to be renamed Rafael Nadal Centre Court, officially and forever!
Good, but the best Paris can give Rafael Nadal is to one of the tennis court at Roland Garros after him.