Rafael Nadal receives special award one year after his retirement from tennis
NewsTuesday, 25 November 2025 at 18:15
Rafael Nadal's professional tennis career has been over for over 12 months, but he is still being honored for his legendary achievements.
After one of the lengthiest and most successful careers in tennis history, Nadal retired at the 2024 Davis Cup Finals, with his final professional match ending in a defeat against Botic van de Zandschulp.
Some felt Team Spain losing in the quarterfinal in Malaga was not a fitting end to Nadal's career after everything he did for the sport. That feeling was heightened by a ceremony deemed underwhelming by many, including his uncle and former long-term coach Toni.
Thankfully, the French Open compensated for it with a memorable ceremony to mark his 14 titles at the event, attended by Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray. It included his footprint being left on Court Philippe-Chatrier.
Since retiring, Nadal has kept a pretty low profile. After a year away from playing tennis, he practiced with rising WTA star Alexandra Eala a few days ago, in what must have been an incredible moment for the Filipina.
On Monday, Nadal made another appearance at an awards ceremony held by MARCA. He was honored with the DNA award and thanked the Spanish newspaper in a social media post afterward.
"Thank you, MARCA, for a special night and for an award that makes me very excited. Congratulations to all the winners for your great careers and sports achievements!"
There was also an unexpected moment for Nadal during the ceremony. Ramon Delgado, who lost to the then 15-year-old Nadal in his first ever match, said a few nice words about the 22-time Grand Slam champion in a pre-recorded part.
Nadal responded by saying that Delgado would have had no problem beating him had he been at his best before mentioning how beautiful his career had been in the years after that win against Delgado.
"I do have very good memories, it was entirely unexpected. Poor Ramon didn't have his best day, because he wouldn't have had much of a rival against me at that time, but circumstances happened, as they often do in sport."
"Sports, in general, are unpredictable, because it's real, and sometimes things happen that are totally unthinkable, right? And that day was one of those days, and it was the start of something beautiful."
Rafael Nadal could share a drink with Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic
Earlier this year, Novak Djokovic revealed that he would like to have drinks with Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, and reflect on their time dominating men's tennis for so many years. Those three took tennis to new heights.
In an interview after being inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame, Federer said he was open to the idea after being retired for a few years. He had a tense relationship with Djokovic in the early years of their rivalry.
Nadal is the only one who has not responded to the idea. The Spaniard has a close relationship with Federer, but it is unclear whether he would want to spend time with him and Djokovic.
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