Rafael Nadal, goodbye ceremony at Roland Garros. Credit: Dimitar Dilkoff / AFP / Profimedia
The King of Spain, Felipe VI, granted on Thursday to former great tennis player Rafael Nadal the noble title of Marquis, recognizing the contribution he made to his nation through his sports performance, according to a statement of the Royal House, informs Reuters, according to Agerpres.
Nadal, winner of 22 great Slem titles, who withdrew last year, counted among the six people honored in the festivities who marked the 10th anniversary of the monarch's climb on the throne.
Other people who were given such titles were the pop-rock singer Luz Casal and the Paralympic swimmer Teresa Perales.
“They are a source of pride for Spain and a permanent reference point for the values that should inspire our society,” the Royal House said.
Former world number 1, Nadal, 39 years old, will hold the title of Marquis by Llevant de Mallorca, the island in which he was born and lives. The title can be inherited by its descendants.
At the end of May, Nadal was paid tribute to Roland Garros, the place where he won 14 big slang trophies in his career. The organizers of Roland Garros have revealed that the imprint of Nadal's right shoe will remain engraved “for eternity” on the central land, right near the fillet.
