“Saudi money is crazy”- Fans left bewildered as Rafael Nadal gets a golden racket at Six Kings Slam
Rafael Nadal got a golden racquet as he finished fourth after losing to Novak Djokovic in the third-place match at the Six Kings Slam.
Rafael Nadal gets a golden racquet at Six Kings Slam (Images via BBC, X)
Tennis legend Rafael Nadal recently announced that he will be retiring from professional tennis after the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga, Spain. But before he dons the red and golden for his country, the Spaniard played in the Six Kings Slam in Riyadh. In fact, he got a chance to face his long-time rival Novak Djokovic, in the third-place match, after both the veterans lost their semifinal matches.
Djokovic and Nadal locked horns on Saturday (19 October) and it was the 24-time Grand Slam champion who took home the third-place title. However, Nadal did not go back empty-handed as he was presented with a ‘small gift’- a golden racket.
After his match with Djokovic, during the trophy presentation ceremony, Nadal got a shining racket from the organizers, and the 38-year-old accepted it with glee.
Rafa Nadal receives a golden racquet at the Six Kings Slam.
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) October 19, 2024
Very deserved. pic.twitter.com/OA8YFm0msl
Meanwhile, the fans were flabbergasted at the least seeing the ‘small gift’ Nadal got despite his fourth-place finish at the exhibition event.
Fans react as Rafael Nadal gets a golden racket
As the pictures and videos of Rafael Nadal getting the golden racket started circulating on social media, reactions from fans started pouring in. Most of them were in disbelief to see a golden racket as a small gift for the Spaniard.
Meanwhile, quite a few fans celebrated the moment claiming the 22-time Grand Slam champion deserved it. Here are some of the reactions:
Saudi money is crazy ?
— I$am (@bonescrushed_) October 19, 2024
Turki told him it’s gonna be a “small gift” ??? https://t.co/pm7i7v4gpq
A “small gift”…. ?
— Mirko (@mirkot) October 19, 2024
?Good heavens that thing can't be all solid gold!
— Sighing_Vagabond (@MikeEsule) October 19, 2024
does he have to declare that in customs?
— Supa (@Supamaxxx) October 19, 2024
Very amazing and well deserved Rafa, the radiant tennis legend♥️love thıs
— ∞︎︎•?????•∞︎︎ (@samah2170991) October 19, 2024
He deserves
— ?????? (@vikash110497) October 19, 2024
The tennis world will feel the absence of a genuine warrior!
— Narasimha R N ? AI – Disciple @69 (@NarasimhaRN5) October 19, 2024
Golden racquet for a golden career. Nadal's reward isn't just a symbol; it's a testament to unrivaled excellence.
Nadal's golden racquet shines like his legacy. An honor fitting for a king of the court.
Bravo,…
Absolutely deserved ? https://t.co/7cVbkQrKUp
— Tatiana Kondratieva (@texet2994) October 19, 2024
Notably, Nadal lost 2-6, (5)6-7 to his nemesis Novak Djokovic in what could be their last-ever faceoff on the tennis court. The two players embraced this opportunity and put their bodies on the line to make this last dance a memorable one.
Despite Djokovic claiming the opening set in dominant style, Nadal, known for his fighting spirit came back strong in the second set and matched his opponent shoulder-to-shoulder before falling short by two points. Nevertheless, for his fans, there are still a few matches left at the Davis Cup Finals next month.
Ritesh Pathak
(2150 Articles Published)