In the cinema, all the endings are taken from a film, but Nadal He realized a long time ago that his script wouldn’t follow this storyline. “That only happens in American films,” he continued. AND Hollandwho took on the role of the villain, did not contribute to it either. Rafa fell before Zandschulp Botic van and the rush invaded the Martin Carpena.
His end was decaffeinated by the defeat on the track and blunted by the speed with which the tribute was paid. In fits and starts. Probably because no one, or very few, considered the possibility that Spain would be wiped off the map at the first opportunity. It happened at Djokovic, Pau Gasol, Roger Federer…who were not present at the Martín Carpena.
All, as Marca announced and OKDIARIO was able to confirm, were invited to a tribute, that of Rafa, set for Tuesday or Friday, after the first or second qualifying round in Spain. Never stops on Sunday, the day of the final. It was understood that after the last game, we had to celebrate the Salad Bowl won or console ourselves for having remained on the shore. Even more so if we take into account the feeling of belonging to Rafa’s team.
Untimely elimination sparked stumbling, impromptu tribute lack of athletes close to Rafa. What was clear for months was that the final farewell was going to take place during Davis competition week. Before or after. Therefore, due to its expected nature, the tribute attracted criticism for failing to meet the honoree’s expectations.
Winner of 92 ATP titles, including 22 Grand Slams, five Davis Cups and two Olympic gold medals. Almost nothing. “It wasn’t a tribute to Rafa’s height. I like that there are images in these events, I would have liked to see images of Rafael winning the Davis Cup in Seville, at the Madrid tournament, at Roland Garros or at Wimbledon… It creates more emotion . I don’t want to criticize anyone. “I would have liked something different, at the peak of his career,” said Toni Nadal, who was also not present.
The video containing congratulations from sports figures was not even finished. Missing were friends like Pau Gasol, with whom he maintains an intimate relationship. “It was all a bit scruffy and cheesy.“, summed up Carlos Moyá, Rafa Nadal’s coach. “I expected something that would live up to my nephew’s career,” said Toni Nadal, Rafa’s uncle and former coach.
“It was cold. I missed a lot of people,” described David Ferrer, captain of the Spanish team. “The situation didn’t go well either.», recalls Feliciano López, director of Davis Cup Finals 8. Four testimonies with a common denominator: the dull farewell to Nadal. Probably because no one, or very few, considered the possibility that Spain would be wiped off the map at the first opportunity, but it happened. And the tribute was like that.
