Madrid grants Rafael Nadal its highest distinction and praises his 'humbleness' 

TOP tennis star Rafael Nadal has been awarded the greatest distinction possible in the Greater Madrid region in recognition of not only his sporting achievements, but his overall attitude to his career – one that is often upheld as an example for future generations of players.

The Gran Cruz Dos de Mayo, or 'Great Cross of the Order of May 2', is the highest award ever granted by the region which is home to Spain's capital city and is presented to individuals or organisms who 'display exemplary conduct', 'outstanding public service', or both.

In the case of Rafa Nadal (pictured right), his eponymous charitable foundation in his home town of Manacor – run by his mother Ana Parera and project-managed by his wife Mery Perelló – helps fund and provide everything from drop-in centres, sports lessons and tablets with built-in internet for children from deprived backgrounds through to supporting flood victims; in fact, the former ATP world number one was seen bailing out buildings and scooping up mud after a severe storm left his native island awash one winter, and opened his sports academy as emergency overnight accommodation for evacuated residents.

Regional president of Madrid, Isabel Díaz Ayuso (pictured left), says the 20-times Grand Slam winner is 'a great example' to the public, especially the youth, because of the 'exceptionally high standards' he demands from himself, and that he 'never shirks his responsibilities, looks for excuses or blames others'.

She recounted an anecdote from Nadal's early years to illustrate this view: When the 13-times Roland Garros champion was still playing at Junior level and once lost a match against a lower-ranking rival, Rafa's uncle and then trainer, Toni Nadal, noticed afterwards that his racquet was broken.

The young Rafael admitted later that he was 'so used to always being the one at fault' that he thought it was his own playing, not his broken racquet, that had lost him the match.

During his 'thank-you' speech, Nadal said he had 'always felt very close to' Madrid, a city and region where he 'always received special affection' and had spent 'unforgettable moments', both personally and professionally.

Madrid, Rafa said, had always supported the sporting world, and adds that he believes Spain is at the height of a 'golden age of sport' which, 'it is fair to say, has a lot to thank Madrid for'.

“You've always been there for us all,” he said.

Otherwise, Nadal's 'acceptance speech' focused on the current Covid-19 crisis, with notes of optimism as well as empathy with others' suffering.

He hopes that 'this awful situation' will 'soon be just a bad memory' and that everyone will shortly be able to 'once again share and enjoy all those things that have always made us happy', and to 'celebrate them as we did before'.

Rafa gave his heartfelt thanks to all those who have been right at the coalface during the pandemic, and sent out a message of solidarity and strength to everyone who had lost loved ones through the virus.

“I truly believe that Spain will do what it always does best, though: To keep going in the face of the toughest of circumstances,” Nadal concluded.