“They love me in a different way” Rafael Nadal reveals his true feelings about his family’s emotional reaction during his last game at home

Rafael Nadal will compete at the Italian Open in Rome, which starts on May 6.

“They love me in a different way” Rafael Nadal reveals his true feelings about his family’s emotional reaction during his last game at home

Rafael Nadal's family gets emotional during his Madrid farewell (Images via Imago, Screengrab/X)

Rafael Nadal’s last match at the Madrid Open was a heartfelt one. Despite the backing of the Spanish crowd, he failed to get past the round of 16 of the tournament. However, the spotlight of his emotional goodbye in Madrid was his family members crying at the Caja Majica stands.

The Spanish fans were hoping to see their legend Nadal play until the final of the top-tier clay tournament, but that was not so, as he lost to Czech star Jiri Lehecka in the last 16. Nadal defeated the likes of Darwin Blanch, Alex de Minaur, and Pedro Cachin to reach the fourth round.

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After his heartfelt loss, the crowd gave him a resounding ovation for minutes as he waved them his last goodbye. During the silverware presentation to honor him as the record winner with five Madrid titles, Nadal’s sister Maria Nadal was in tears, as was his wife Francisca Perello. The emotional night was one the 22-Grand Slam champion vowed not to forget as he left the court with a smile.

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In a recent interview, Nadal revealed that he has kept his high standard of behavior on the court, which has made many fans love him, and that his family has a different affection for him.

I hope I have always behaved well, even if we all make mistakes, I have always tried to be respectful, friendly and to take care of people in the best possible way. I also tried to behave properly on the court and I think I succeeded most of the time. That the members of my family cry… it's normal. Even if I had behaved badly, they would probably do it, because they have a different affection for me than that of the people around.
Rafael Nadal said via We Love Tennis.

This season is Nadal’s last Tour in his illustrious career. Despite not revealing his final Tour of the season, fans would love for him to postpone his retirement, as they wish to watch him play on the court longer.

Rafael Nadal reveals his intention to play the Italian Open in Rome

Rafael Nadal has revealed that he will be competing at the Italian Open in Rome. The Spaniard now looks in good shape following his Round of 16 reach at the Madrid Open.

Rafael Nadal via Imago

The 37-year-old had withdrawn from several tournaments this season, citing a lack of readiness due to injuries, but that has changed since he returned to the Barcelona Open last month. This will be his fourth tournament of the season.

I missed Monte Carlo unfortunately, that is one of the most special for me, but Rome is one of these ones that I enjoyed a lot playing there.
Rafael Nadal said.

However, Nadal has won the Rome Open a record ten times in his career, more than any player in the history of the tournament. Rome Open will begin on May 6.

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