Young Fan Weeps in Absolute Joy After Rafael Nadal’s Sweet Present at Indian Wells 2022

Rafael Nadal is undoubtedly one of the most loved players in the professional circuit. Also, the Spaniard doesn’t shy away from reciprocating the same amount of love for his fans around the world. A similar sight was seen at the Indian Wells. Post a practice session, Rafael Nadal indulged in an informal fan meet, having conversations and giving autographs to them. However, in a huge gathering of fans, there was one fan who took everyone’s heart.

The former World No. 1 is set to start his campaign in Indian Wells from the second round. Recently, wrapping up his practice session at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, Nadal was heading back, when he saw a number of fans standing close by, waiting for him.

Rafael Nadal meets his fans at Indian Wells

Wearing an orange and blue outfit, Nadal headed towards them. Seeing the man himself coming towards him, all the fans rejoiced in excitement. The 23-time grand slam champion indulged in small conversations with the fans, as he went on giving autographs to them.

Out of the many fans waiting patiently for the 21-time Major champion, one fan that stole the limelight was a young girl named Andrea. The girl stood with his white Rafael Nadal ‘Raging Bull’ cap, waiting for Nadal to come and sign the cap. Seeing her idol in front of her, the little girl wasn’t able to control her emotions, as she shouted ‘Rafa’. Addressing the girl with a smile, Nadal asked her, “How are you?”

Even though it looked like a normal player fan meet, what happened later melted everyone’s heart. As all the other fans left, seeing Nadal’s autograph on her cap, the young girl wept tears of joy.

Also read- ‘I Have an Injury on the Foot That I Can’t Fix’ – Rafael Nadal Gives Update on His Foot Ahead of the ATP Indian Wells

In a video that went viral, the child said that her name is Andrea and she has come from Queretaro, Mexico to Indian Wells, just to see her idol, Rafael Nadal.

Taking note of the video on Twitter, another Rafael Nadal fan took no time in replying to the Tweet. The fan said, “She deserved a Rafa photograph with signature and a kiss from Rafa! What a brave girl, she loves Rafa just like us!” Along with the tweet, the fan also attached a dancing video. In the video, he was seen wearing Nadal’s Raging Bull T-shirt, as he danced to the tune. 

Rafael Nadal is having a dream run so far in 2022

The chronic left foot injury forced Nadal to miss the second half of the 2021 season.  When he called off the season in August last year, his future on the tour seemed to be bleak. The Spaniard has been managing Mueller-Weisse syndrome since 2005. However, refusing to throw in the towel just yet,  Nadal finally made a comeback at the beginning of the 2022 season. He started his season at the Melbourne Summer Set. Showing no mercy on his opponents, the top seeded player cruised his way through the draw, winning the title without dropping a set.

Nadal entered Australian Open with no expectations but just being happy to be back on the courts. Placed in the draw as the 6th seed, Nadal sailed through the first four rounds, dropping just a set in the process. In the quarterfinals, he played his first difficult match against Denis Shapovalov. However, not willing to go home early, the roaring 35-year-old went on to win the match in 5 sets. In the semifinals he beat Matteo Berrettini in 4 sets, to set up a final clash with Daniil Medvedev. The rest…is history.

Extending his winning streak, Nadal captured his third title of the season at the Mexican Open in Acapulco in February. Can the 21-time Major champion continue his unbeaten run this year to win his 4th BNP Paribas Open title?

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It will be intriguing to witness Nadal’s journey at the Indian Wells Masters 1000!