This week, motorists travelling along the motorway near Malaga’s Palacio de Deportes could not miss the enormous canvas honouring the retiring Rafael Nadal.
At the centre of the banner, a whimsical illustration of Nadal strikes a recognisable pose.
A pair of muscular arms emerge from a sleeveless shirt, complemented by a white bandana wrapped around a damp scalp. His left hand, slick with sweat, grips the racquet tightly.
The caricature is positioned between the phrases: “Gracias Rafa.”
A straightforward statement encapsulates a wealth of memories for nearly an entire nation, effectively conveying the significance of Nadal to Spain.
“Gratitude is the first sentiment that arises when considering the journey we’ve experienced over the last two decades, observing Rafa’s remarkable career,” Feliciano Lopez, Nadal’s former Davis Cup teammate and a close friend for over 20 years, shared with BBC Sport.
We owe him our gratitude for allowing us to witness and partake in the remarkable accomplishments he has attained.
“Before his arrival, it was unimaginable for anyone in Spain to foresee the level of achievement that could be reached on a tennis court.”
The accomplishments must be documented to be genuinely appreciated: With an impressive tally of 22 Grand Slam titles and 92 ATP Tour titles, this athlete has secured two Olympic gold medals and celebrated four victories in the Davis Cup finals. Notably, they have held the world number one ranking for 209 weeks and maintained a remarkable presence in the top 10 for 912 consecutive weeks.
Fans gathered in Malaga on Tuesday, drawn by the event’s significance, as it marked the final match of his career following Spain’s defeat to the Netherlands in the Davis Cup quarter-finals.
The crowd erupted in cheers. Emotions ran high as tears were shed. The atmosphere was reminiscent of a football match, with celebrations erupting for missed first serves by the Dutch.
Tickets for the highly anticipated match became available before Nadal’s retirement announcement, with prices starting at €55 (£45).
On Tuesday morning, a price of €25,000 (£21,000) was required to obtain one from a resale website.
Enthusiastic fans gathered well in advance, forming lengthy lines around the Jose Maria Martin Carpena Arena.
The colours of Spain, red and yellow, were prominently displayed through Nadal t-shirts, Zorro-inspired cordobes hats, and football scarves, creating a vibrant atmosphere.
Within the 11,500-capacity stadium, numerous attendees raised cardboard signs—vibrant and imaginative creations—displaying personal messages.
The LED screens illuminated with the message ‘Gracias Rafa’ as he delivered his emotional farewell speech, mirroring the sentiment displayed on the enormous banner outside. The complex relationship between gratitude and grief reveals a profound emotional landscape.
Lopez asserts that the message encapsulated the prevailing sentiment of the nation and beyond.
His impact on the nation has been significant. “It’s not just about his titles and all that he has accomplished as a person,” he stated.
“It seems that ‘Gracias Rafa’ resonates with tennis fans globally now.”
The extent of Nadal’s popularity is evident, as highlighted by the diverse reactions from the crowd in Malaga. Individuals and groups, regardless of age or gender.
Nadal resonates with the everyday individual. He reportedly has the King of Spain on speed dial.
Nadal holds immense significance. “Not only because he is one of the best players, but also due to his character,” remarked Javier Ibanez, who journeyed 250 miles from Murcia for the event alongside his friend Pedro Ayala.
“His values are commendable and hold significant importance to us.” The essence of his character lies in the respect he shows for his rivals, his humility, and, above all, his indomitable fighting spirit.
“He motivates individuals to confront every challenge they encounter throughout their lives, extending beyond the realm of tennis.”
In a display of humility that inspired many, he took the initiative in 2018 to assist his home island of Mallorca in recovering from severe flash flooding.
Pushing away the slurry water with a bristled brush emerged as a striking visual representation.
The sentiment expressed highlights the deep affection that the proud homebird Nadal continues to hold for his origins. Although he has journeyed to various parts of the world to pursue his passion for the sport, he has always maintained a permanent connection to his hometown of Manacor.
The exceptional talent cultivated under the rigorous guidance of his uncle Toni, who played a pivotal role in Nadal’s journey from childhood to securing his 16th major title in 2017, was destined to gain recognition beyond local borders.
Nadal’s legacy is inextricably linked to the city of Paris.
Paris, often called the City of Love, has been the backdrop for the remarkable achievements of the ‘King of Clay.’ With an impressive record of 14 French Open titles, many believe this feat may never be surpassed.
Following Nadal’s final match in Malaga, a captivating piece of digital art emerged in the heart of the French capital.
The installation, developed in collaboration with his long-time sponsor, Nike, showcased iconic images of Nadal on a specially constructed stand in Trocadero.
Nadal was seen beside the iconic Eiffel Tower. A Parisian icon stands near another, highlighting their shared significance in the city’s cultural landscape.
Nadal burst onto the scene as a remarkable teenager, making his ATP Tour debut in 1999 at 15, initially recognised primarily as the nephew of Barcelona and Spain footballer Miguel Angel.
After several decades, he is now retiring as one of the most recognisable athletes in the world.
“He is undoubtedly the most significant athlete our country has ever seen,” stated Lopez, placing NBA star Pau Gasol and World Cup champion Andres Iniesta in a close second and third position.
With utmost respect for fellow athletes, I acknowledge that we have seen several exceptional talents in the field.
“Our experiences with him have been unique, setting him apart from other athletes.” Rafa stands out as a unique figure in the world of sports.
