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MADRID, SPAIN – OCTOBER 09: Rafa Nadal attends ’42Madrid’, the programming campus without classes, without teachers and without books that Fundación Telefónica has just opened at Fundacion Telefonica’ on October 09, 2019 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Abraham Caro Marin/Getty Images)
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MADRID, SPAIN – OCTOBER 09: Rafa Nadal attends ’42Madrid’, the programming campus without classes, without teachers and without books that Fundación Telefónica has just opened at Fundacion Telefonica’ on October 09, 2019 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Abraham Caro Marin/Getty Images)
20-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal is one of the most accomplished athletes in the world. Not just for his tennis accolades, but also for his humanitarian work. For the same, Nadal has received numerous recognitions in Spain, his homeland. And now, the 35-year-old will be adding another great honor to his name.
Cadena Cope, a renowned Spanish radio station, will grant Rafael Nadal the Popular Award of Honor. Notably, the ‘King of Clay’ will only be the third recipient of the honor in the company’s 42-year-old history. But given his contributions to tennis and community, Nadal rightfully deserves it.
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Rafael Nadal to receive the Popular Award of Honor
For sports fans throughout the world, Rafael Nadal has been a household name for over a decade. However, not many know about the great lengths the former World No.1 goes to help the people in need.
Through his Rafa Nadal Foundation, the tennis great has served underprivileged children in Spain and India for the last ten years. In addition, he was among the first ones to aid his country during the global pandemic.
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 31: Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates winning his Men’s Singles third round match against Hyeon Chung of South Korea on day six of the 2019 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 31, 2019 in Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Besides this, the record 13-time French Open champion has attended to the needful on countless occasions. Nadal even stepped out to clean and rebuild when Mallorca saw a flood in 2018.
Without any doubt, the Spaniard is an inspiration, on and off the tennis court. In tennis, particularly, Nadal has become the example of competitive spirit and resolution.
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Tennis – French Open – Roland Garros, Paris, France – June 9, 2021 Spain’s Rafael Nadal celebrates winning his quarter final match against Argentina’s Diego Schwartzman REUTERS/Benoit Tessier
Therefore, to honor his life’s work, the Cadena Cope has decided to give him the Popular Award of Honor. Indeed, it is a recognition which Nadal will cherish for life.
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When will Nadal return to the tennis tour?
Recently, his uncle and former coach Toni Nadal gave an update on the El Matador’s return. As per him, the tennis world will see Rafa flourish on the court soon.
USA Today via Reuters
Aug 4, 2021; Washington, DC, USA; Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates against Jack Sock of the United States (not pictured) during the Citi Open at Rock Creek Park Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Taetsch-USA TODAY Sports
Interestingly, Nadal, who hasn’t played a match since August, will return to the tennis court in December. He will compete at the exhibition event in Abu Dhabi, starting December 16th.
Along with him, tennis stars Dominic Thiem, Andy Murray, Emma Raducanu, and others will be competing. Hence, it will be a tournament that tennis fans wouldn’t want to miss.
Hopefully, Nadal will come back with a full recovery from his foot injury. Let’s see what’s next for the Spaniard.
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