A Day At His Museum: Rafa Drops Off 20th Grand Slam Trophy
Rafael Nadal paid a visit to the Rafa Nadal Academy by Movistar on Wednesday to drop off his latest Grand Slam trophy.
The Spanish superstar headed to the Rafa Nadal Museum Xperience, which boasts the highlights of his sporting career, to place his 13th Roland Garros crown — for a record-equalling 20th major singles title — in his trophy cabinet.
“I’m now here in Mallorca, in Manacor and of course I’m very happy and satisfied with what I have achieved,” said Nadal, who beat World No. 1 Novak Djokovic 6-0, 6-2, 7-5 in the Roland Garros final on Sunday.
“It’s no less true that it’s a bittersweet feeling, because we have been through some very complicated months in various senses and the most important thing is health. The second is the economic situation, which is causing many families to go through a hard time. We have to trust that [things] will improve, trust that the vaccine will come as soon as possible and that we can all go back to living in a more pleasant world and be happier.
“I also wanted to thank you for all the messages of support over the past few weeks. To me, although we have been a little more distanced than normal, as we have not been able to have direct contact, receiving so many messages of support on social media and directly to my mobile has helped me, without a doubt. Thank you so much for the support. Finally, I would like to tell you that I am leaving the trophy here in the museum at the Academy, in Manacor, for all of you that would like to see it.”
The Rafa Nadal Museum Xperience not only includes the trophies Nadal has won during his illustrious career, but the shirts and trainers he has worn during each of the Grand Slam finals he has contested. There are also mementos donated by some of the biggest figures in the history of world sport, such as Michael Jordan, Fernando Alonso, Pau Gasol, Roger Federer, Mireia Belmonte, Usain Bolt, Serena Williams and Cristiano Ronaldo.
A significant part of the profits from the Museum go towards Rafa Nadal Foundation projects.