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When Rafael Nadal won the Australian Open this year, he became the first player ever, male or female, to win two or more Grand Slam titles in three different decades—it was his second of the 2020s, and he had already won six in the 2000s and 13 in the 2010s.
As if that weren’t historic enough, he one-upped his own record by winning Roland Garros, now becoming the first player ever to win three or more majors in three different decades.
“It will most likely be the last time I play in Mexico, Acapulco 2023 is not on my calendar and the 2024 season seems far away,” he explained.
“Now is the time to enjoy this moment to the fullest and play in an emblematic setting, with many people and in a country where I have always felt loved.”
Rafael Nadal has often produced his best level at Mutua Madrid Open, winning the ATP Masters 1000 title four times since the event transitioned from hard courts to clay in 2009. However, the Spaniard was forced to dig deeper than ever during his third-round meeting against David Goffin in the Spanish capital.
“Someone I have admired, who I have rivaled and also I have shared many beautiful things on and off the court was leaving,” Nadal told reporters ahead of an exhibition match in Argentina.
“In that sense, all those moments, those feelings you have before playing a final of a grand slam, of an important tournament, everything that was in the air before those matches. It was different from other matches.
“You know you’re not going to live that again and a part of my life left with him [when he retired]. It was also the emotion of saying goodbye to someone who has been so important to our sport.”
In a press conference on Tuesday, as reported by Eurosport, Nadal joked that being a father has so far meant more tiredness and less sleep. He went on to say he is no different from any other father, and that he is just trying to make the most of the wonderful experience.
“More tired, sleeping less,” Nadal said. “It’s one more concern in your life. Living it naturally, I’m neither more nor less than any father. With happiness. Trying to make the most of the moments I can be with him.”
Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship Award: The player who, throughout the year, conducted himself at the highest level of professionalism and integrity, who competed with his fellow players with the utmost spirit of fairness and who promoted the game through his off-court activities.
Carlos Alcaraz, Felix Auger-Aliassime, Rafael Nadal, Casper Ruud & Frances Tiafoe
VIDEO: Highlights – Nadal vs Ruud | Mexico Exhibition
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