Another feather in the cap for Rafael Nadal, to be made Grandee of Spain
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Rafael Nadal
The man with the most number of Grand Slam titles to his name, Rafael Nadal had a fantastic return to action during his month-long stay in Australia. Returning to the Tour for the first time since August 2021, Nadal won the 2022 Melbourne Summer Set 1 to pick up his 90th career title and then capped it off with the title at the 2022 Australian Open, his 2nd in Melbourne Park and 21st of his career.
The win in Australia also made Nadal just the 4th man in history to win all 4 majors more than once and the Spaniard now boasts to be the only man to win all 4 majors and have an Olympics gold in both singles and doubles. With Nadal’s success over the years, many talented youngsters from Spain have emerged over the years and one can definitely credit the Mallorcan for his contribution.
As Nadal now rides high in the history books, citizens of the city of Jerez de la Frontera have approached King Felipe Vl and the Royal House of Spain to honour Nadal with the ‘Grandee of Spain’, one of the highest honours given to Spanish citizens. Heading the petition is Ramon Romero Abad who had earlier made a similar attempt but was unable to convince the Royal House.
“The greatness of Spain is a title superior to that of Duke, which is normally accompanied by a noble title. Then there is a greatness of Spain that is immemorial, but the greatness of Rafa Nadal is evident. Queen Elizabeth II of England herself has given to great athletes the title of the maximum category,” said Abad who is advocating for Nadal to be bestowed with the honour.
The honour is doubtful for Rafael Nadal as King Felipe VI has not given the honour to anyone
King Felipe Vl has yet not granted the noble title so far to anyone in his reign since he became the King in 2014. His father, Juan Carlos I was lenient in this aspect giving out 51 noble titles during his reign. However, the ray of hope can be the close relationship between the King and Nadal could just make the 21-time Grand Slam champion the first to receive the honour from King Felipe Vl. The decision now solely remains in the hands of the King whether he will be making the ‘King of Clay’ a Grandee of Spain.
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Sarthak Shitole
(3462 Articles Published)