“Special birthday” How Real Madrid gave Nadal the best gift
Alexander Nasonov June 3, 2023 07:00 UTC Audio version: Your browser does not support the audio element.
The victory of your favorite team in the Champions League final – what could be more pleasant?
In recent years, Rafael Nadal, who was born on June 3, 1986, almost always celebrated his birthday at Roland Garros. The tournament takes place in late May and early June, and the Spaniard, who lifted the coveted trophy over his head 14 times in Paris, has an additional reason to love the French Open. This time, however, Nadal misses the tournament due to injury. And in general, it is not known if Raphael will return here, although he certainly has such an intention. But “Roland Garros” six years ago became really special for him.
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June 3, 2017 Nadal woke up in a very good mood. After all, the day before, he had made a lot of fun of Nikoloz Basilashvili in the second round of Roland Garros, giving his opponent only one game in three sets: 6:0, 6:1, 6:0. Too cool even for Raphael’s standards. But he did not think only of tennis. Not in vain, because it was June 3 when the Champions League final was scheduled, in which Real Madrid, the man from Manacor’s favorite club, played Juventus. Nadal, even in a post-match interview on court, touched on the subject of football. “Tomorrow is a special day because it is my birthday. The good news is that I will celebrate my birthday at Roland Garros. Tomorrow at 20:45, of course, I will sit in front of the TV and support my team. Hopefully Real Madrid win again. But it won’t be easy!” — admitted the tennis player.
And in a press conference, he revealed the subject in detail. “A very close game. Obviously, anything can happen. Yes, Juve seem to have conceded just three goals in the entire Champions League season. It will not be easy. But Real Madrid may have more potential to score. And in defense everything is at its best, and in attack, right? The match will be interesting. It will be very important for Real Madrid to score against Juve, as Juve are very strong defensively. If Juve scores first, it will be very difficult. But the game is long and Real Madrid has a lot of potential. However, anything can happen, and it’s an even game.”
Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros 2017
Photo: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
Well, while looking in the water. The 2017 Champions League final was held in Cardiff and thus Nadal was deprived of the opportunity to attend. (Unlike the 2022 final, which took place in Paris, when Real Madrid defeated Liverpool 1-0 against Nadal.) Real Madrid opened the scoring with the efforts of Cristiano Ronaldo, Juventus quickly equalized, but in the second half the “creamy” showed their superiority – 4:1! The best gift for Rafa, with all the desire, can not be imagined.
After this, Nadal simply had no right not to win another Roland Garros. The Spaniard fully justified the expectations of the fans from him, not giving his rivals a set for the whole tournament. In the final, Rafael faced Stan Wawrinka – 6:2, 6:3, 6:1. It was the title of Nadal’s tenth anniversary in Paris. And at Real Madrid he couldn’t ignore such success from one of his most famous fans. “Congratulations to Rafael Nadal, our Honorary Member, on winning his tenth Roland Garros title!” – this is how the press service of the “creamy” congratulated Rafa on social networks.
Rafael Nadal with the 2017 Roland Garros trophy
Photo: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
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This year, Nadal, 37, is not playing at Roland Garros, and Real Madrid is not in the Champions League final… But who can guarantee that the story described above will not repeat itself? Rafael and Madrid, winners in spirit – they are.
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