Italian Open: Rafael Nadal Gets the Perfect Hero’s Farewell as Thousands of Fans Gather at Foro Italico to Bid Adieu

“Rome is one of the most important events in my career.” But now it’s time to say our farewell to the ten-time winner of the Italian Open, Rafael Nadal. Nadal’s farewell tour has so far made all of us emotional along with him. But the journey is far from over. As he slowly progresses toward the end of his career, Nadal closes each chapter with countless memories and love from fans. And now, after his Madrid Open farewell event, it is time for the Italian Open as well.

Rafael Nadal endured a hard time on court during his last match against Hubert Hurkacz on Saturday. But the scene soon changed when he discovered hundreds of people clapping for him during his departure from the ground. With loud appreciation, the air was thick with a chorus that echoed throughout the place. 

And Rafael Nadal, visibly emotional at the scene, walked on a bridge, waving his hands to the fans with a smile on his face. As several cameras captured this historic emotional farewell, Nadal made sure to savor these last moments in Rome wholeheartedly.

Even during his post-match interview, the former World No. 1 explained what his matches in Rome meant to him throughout his career. “Here I played a few of the most important matches, beautiful matches, emotional ones”.  Rafael Nadal further added, “I always say that I will never be able to say thank you enough for all the love and support that I receive around the world. Here in Rome is obviously one of the most important events in my tennis career. One of these events that is going to be in my heart for so many reasons.”

The King of Clay’s dominance on the clay court has mesmerized fans for decades. But sadly, due to his persistent hip injuries, Nadal has decided to end his professional career. However, when it comes to saying farewell to him, the whole tennis world makes sure that he has a memorable one. This happened during his Madrid Open farewell as well.

Rafael Nadal’s emotional farewell at the Madrid Open

When Rafael Nadal played his last match at the Madrid Open, every fan’s eyes brimmed with a mixture of joy and sorrow. With five banners showcasing his victories in the Madrid Open from 2018 to 2017, the event made all of us nostalgic. Not only that, the chants of fans going “Rafa, Rafa Rafa” further intensified the moment in the Caja Mágica. 

Nadal, understandably emotional, addressed the crowd and said, “The only thing I can say is ‘thank you’. It’s been an incredible journey that started when I was little.”

As he says farewell to another tournament, the reality of his retiring soon becomes even more real. But until that happens, we all want to see Rafael Nadal play his best and give us a ton of memories to cherish forever.