Earlier on Thursday, Rafael Nadal had been awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of 12 May by president of the Community of Madrid Isabel Díaz Ayuso in Puerta de Sol.
“First of all, I would like to remember the victims of this terrible pandemic, which we are going through, and all their families. I think it affects us all in one way or another, but above all those that have lost loved ones,” Rafa highlighted in his speech.
“Thank you to all the health workers, particularly in Madrid, a community that was severely affected in the first wave. And also thank you to the forces and State security organisations. I’m convinced that Spain will do what it has always been able to do; to come through tough and difficult circumstances. This time will be no exception.”
“Thank you for this recognition, it is a true honour,” Rafa said. “I’d like to thank and share this distinction with the citizens of the Community of Madrid, a place that feels very close to my heart and where I always receive special affection. I’ve enjoyed unforgettable moments, both personal and professional. We all owe a lot to this community, because it has always been there for us.
“I hope that what we are going through now will soon be just a memory and we can go back to sharing and enjoying the things that make us happy soon. Hopefully this will be over as soon as possible. You’ve all made this an unforgettable day for me.”
Source: ATP Tour
Wishing for Rafa to win a second Australian Open in 2021. This would make him the ONLY singles player in the Open Era to win each Slam twice. The Open Era started in 1968.
RAFA, YES YOU CAN
A champion on and off the court❤️
The preliminary dates for the 2021 Olympics has been set for July 24 to August 9, 2021, if the pandemic allows.
Rafa will be looking to add medals to the two gold he has has already won; singles gold in 2008, and doubles gold in 2016. I trust Rafa and his team to be very discerning when deciding which tournaments to play in 2021. He will want to arrive 100% physically fit and tournament ready for the Olympics. GO RAFA
Roger won doubles gold in 2008, and singles silver in 2012. Roger said “Clearly this [the Olympics] is one of my big goals.”
Djokovic won a bronze medal in 2008.
Rafa is back to work getting ready for 2021 already. 💪 Instagram shows a pic of him practicing. ❤️
That’s Rafa. He admitted to taking a break after London but didn’t share that he was running around collecting awards. LOL
I won’t tattle on him 🤣
All the best to Rafa in 2021.
😂
Yes 👍
All the best Nadal!See you next year winning more Grand Slams.
You are awesome Rafa! i am a big fan from the Philippines. Hope and I pray that you will win more grandslams. I wish you will be able to win one more time in Australin Open. GOD BLESS!
When i hear and see your name and picture,I become very happy. This news of great honour is most happiest to me. Congratulations Rafa. Love you……… From Fan from India.I want to meet you one time in my life.
Rafa to me you are a Prince on and off the court .wish, you are your family the best.
Many Congratulations Rafa. It was a long time coming….and my next wish for you is to be the recipient of the Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship Award….Vamos.
A BIG CONGRATULATIONS TO RAFA for accomplishing so much in 2020 despite lockdowns, restrictions, and a worldwide coronavirus calamity. May he and his loved ones have a happy and safe holiday season.
Rafa was quite the busy bee yesterday. How many awards did he receive in one day?
During his visit to Madrid yesterday Rafa, together with Pao Gasol, was also awarded the AS Solidarity in Sports Award.
The AS [sports magazine] awards ceremony took place at the Royal Theatre in Madrid. He was being recognized for his work with Gasol in organizing the #NuestraMejorVictoria campaign to raise funds for the Red Cross, and for his 13th Coupe des Mousquetaires.
RAFA ROCKS
Congratulations to Rafa, winning his 13th RG title and equaling Roger’s record of 20 slam titles, and to his buddy, a six-time NBA All-Star Pau Gasol 👏👏 Well deserved for their humanitarian efforts 🥰
Hope we can return to some kind of normalcy in 2021🤞🙏
Can you imagine, Mimi: two fantastic and well-deserved awards in one day.
I just came across an article about Rafa written in 2011, that I read years ago. It speaks to Rafa’s humble nature. If you haven’t read it, here’s the info:
“Tennis’ world No. 1 Rafael Nadal is driven, but not ego driven”
by Bill Dwyre
Los AngelesTimes
RAFA ROCKS
Enjoyed reading it👍 Thank you Margo 🙏😘
Que Dios te bendiga Rafa.
Please don’t mistake my confusion for opposition to the Grand Cross of the Order of May 2.
In October, I posted that Rafa had been awarded the Grand Cross of the Royal Order of Sporting Merit and with this award came the title of His Excellence. I believe this was a national award.
I thought that the Grand Cross of the Order of May 2 Award was the same as the the one announced in October. It appears to be an entirely different one. And congratulations to Rafa for being recognized again as a treasure.
I am confused about this award because May 2, 1808 was the day of an uprising in Madrid against the French emperor Napoleon and his army.
The actual “Order,” to confiscate property from anyone affiliated with the French Party, came a year later on May 2, 1809. It is notable that May 2 is a holiday only in Madrid but that uprising led to the eventual ouster of the French and Portuguese from all of Spain.
This a huge… Congratulations Rafa! A tremendous honor to not only a phenomenal athlete but humanitarian as well.
We’re so very proud of you…
VAMOS RAFA!!!!!!!!!
Congratulations Rafa well don vamosssssss champ good luck 👍🍀 🎾😘
I am so please that all what you have done for young people and tennis your county love you as do we all vamos rafa
Such a special honour when the recognition is from your own countrymen. Congratulations; this is a meaningful award for your efforts both on and off the tennis court as an ambassador for Spain. You
have made them so proud! 🇪🇸How the world needs an inspiring hero right now-thank you🙏Enjoy
the moment and stay safe👍👏💪🤛❤️
An honor to an amazing athlete the best in Spain all the best for 2021
Congratulations to Rafa 🥳
Rafa it’s a honor you earned and deserve, congratulations!!!
Well done Rafa!👍
Rafa enjoy the holidays and this well deserved honor!! Then come back on totally beast mode in 2021!!!