Five-time Mutua Madrid Open champion Rafael Nadal is now a Madrid champion for life.
Nadal was recently honored with Madrid’s Grand Cross of the Order of the Second of May.
Presented by the president of the Madrid community and Madrid governing council, the award honors “people or institutions with exemplary behaviors that have stood out for their service to citizens in different areas.”
Madrid community president Isabel Diaz Ayuso presented Nadal with the distinguished honor. The president said the 20-time Grand Slam champion achieved the honor for “being one of the best athletes in history, for his humanity and for all that he contributes to us Spaniards.”
“We have before us the greatest sportsman of all time, with values such as humility, effort, discipline and respect for the rival,” president Diaz Ayuso said.
Nadal joins legendary Hall of Famer Manolo Santana as the second tennis champion to receive the honor.
“it is an honor to receive this award and I want to share it with all the citizens of Madrid. I always get special affection from everyone here.”
Photo credit: Rafael Nadal Instagram