Published on Sunday, October 13, I admire you, Rafael is an expression of gratitude, respect and admiration from one Nadal to another. Toni speaks not only on the impending retirement, but the legacy Rafael has created for himself beyond the court.
“…what has truly garnered him such widespread respect and recognition, even beyond the stands, is not just the number of titles he has won,” Toni wrote. “It’s the fact that he built his achievements on a foundation of strong values, and his ability to uphold them throughout his career: his integrity, his exemplary behavior in both victory and defeat, the passion he brought to every match, and his unwavering commitment to the sport and everything surrounding it. He embraced adversity and found ways to overcome it, and above all, he always showed respect for his rivals, regardless of their stature—even when some of them dealt him the most painful defeats of his career.”
“There are athletes who, due to their exceptional abilities, have become leaders in their disciplines; others who have magnified and even transcended their own sports; and only a few who, through their attitude and actions, have moved beyond the realm of sports to become leaders in society. I believe, without fear of being mistaken and fully prepared to accept any criticisms that may come my way as his uncle, that my nephew, like his greatest rival for many years, Roger Federer, belongs to the latter category.”
READ: Flashback: Rafael Nadal was at peace with retirement even in 2019 ’60 Minutes’ interview
