Rafael Nadal says he will not retire yet from tennis after receiving an award from Spain’s King Felipe at Alcala de Henares University, near Madrid.
After his bid for a men’s record-extending 23rd Grand Slam title ended in the fourth round of the U.S. Open earlier this month, Nadal said he needed to “fix things” and was unsure about his return to competitive tennis.
The 36-year-old Spaniard has been battling a chronic foot injury and was forced to contemplate retirement in 2021 and again this year after he won a men’s record 22nd major title at the French Open.
“The intention is to continue to carry the name of Spain around the world while I am still active and competing,” he said, after receiving the ‘Camino Real’ prize, an award that recognizes Spaniards that, through their professional work, strengthen the positive image of Spain in the United States.
At the ceremony, Spain’s King Felipe described Nadal as an “stellar sportsman” and praised his achievements despite his injuries.
“He learned very early on how to handle physical suffering and how not to not to lose his temper and concentration because of it,” the Spanish monarch said.
Source: rte.ie
-as a -swiss I (89 years old) am a fan of Raffa since 2005. he is my goat,not only regarding tennis but als for character and sportmanship
Dang I wish my Spanish were better so I could understand his comments in the video above. Would love to see a translation of his speech please! Regardless, I know of no other athlete in ANY sport more deserving. God bless Rafa! And THANK YOU for continuing to play on!
Rafa says he is not retiring and far from retirement. It made me so happy to hear that Rafa says he will play on!
A tremendous honour for Rafa. Both he and King Felipe said it all.
Congratulations, Rafa🥳
See you at the Laver Cup😊
So glad to see you so happy receiving your reward. So deserving. Loved you for several decades and wish you only happiness you’ve given to us.
Congrats, Rafa! So well deserved, and you are the greatest sportsman in your field and bring us Rafa fans so much joy and excitement when we watch you play and excel in tennis and win big titles! Also, I am very happy to hear from you directly in your acceptance speech that you are far from retiring – that’s the best news in a while and look forward to seeing you play at Laver Cup (with Roger Federer) this upcoming weekend! 😊👍🏆🥇🏅🏟
Nicely stated! Wishing to see Rafa play at the highest level for many more years! Media is initiating rumors about Rafa likely retiring after friend and rival Roger Federer retiring. So premature and immature of the media and of false pretenders and sadly wrong soothsayers on this site who say bad things about doom and gloom…need more happy and positive thoughts for Rafa!
Glorious! Nice words and love to see this! 🥰
This is so awesome, Rafa!!! You are the epitome of hard work, determination, with a “never give up” attitude, success, and humility, and you are a paragon of excellence and good behavior for today’s youth and society! We are so proud of you and for being a fan of yours!
Well deserved.
One of the true professionals 💚🎾
A tremendous honour for Rafa. Both he and King Felipe said it all.
Well deserved❤️
You are so special and this award is totally well deserved, and many more to come!
The most important for us, your devoted fans is your health and your soon to be child to be born healthy and your wife to have a good birth.
The tennis will hopefully be back better than ever 🎾
Congratulations Rafa you are the best.
Congratulations to Rafa who is the best ambassador for his sport and Spain 👏⭐️🇪🇸
Good for you and we’ll deserved
Congratulations, Rafa. An honour from the King. We wish you and Mery all the best.🥰