Prime Video (DR) / ATP Tour (DR)
By Editorial | Sport
Although he does not have the greatest track record, Fabrice Santoro undoubtedly remains one of the artists in the history of French tennis, to the point of being nicknamed “The Magician” by Pete. Sampras. Having become a consultant, the native of Tahiti also excels in this field thanks to his frankness and honesty. Especially about Rafael Nadal a few months ago.
The world of tennis is turning one of the most significant pages in its history, and it is not necessarily easy to get used to it. After the retirement of Roger Federer in September 2022, it is Rafael Nadal who is arriving at the twilight of his career, without however really knowing when he will say stop for good. One thing is certain: this prospect greatly saddens Fabrice Santoro.
On the pitch, the Frenchman only came across the Spaniard once, in 2009, when he himself was reaching the end of his two-decade-long career. And regardless of the heavy defeat he suffered (6-0, 6-1), Santoro has always retained great admiration for the man who won Roland-Garros 14 times, as he showed before his match at 1st round against Alexander Zverev last May.
Fabrice Santoro admiring Rafael Nadal
Consultant on “Prime Video”, Santoro delivered a vibrant plea tinged with homage to Nadal, whom he obviously respects as a tennis player… but also and above all as a man:
Rafael Nadal gives us one last gift in Paris after winning the tournament 14 times. It’s a privilege to see him once again. He must be acclaimed and given a standing ovation as he deserves. Rafa, it’s a lot of incredible images, a lot of emotions. It’s a superhuman feat to have won the French Open 14 times, meaning he had such a colossal margin over his opponents. Even at 70% of his abilities, he managed to climb the table.
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That’s for the champion but if I talk about the man, who I’m lucky enough to know, he’s someone extraordinary. He is so humble and always respectful of the game, the public, the referees, true fair play. He is perfect in front of the cameras but also behind the scenes, when there is no more camera, he is impeccable… He never refuses a photo.
On his way, Santoro did not hide his emotion at the idea of seeing Nadal leave the circuit. Just before the match, the French declared admiringly:
It brings tears to my eyes when I listen to it. He is himself, he does not hide, he tells the truth all the time. He says what his state is: “It’s going to be very, very difficult, but there you go, I’m a warrior, I’m Rafael Nadal.” It’s already a victory I think for him to be at Roland‐Garros.
Unfortunately, the step was too high for this Nadal, defeated in 3 sets by Zverev. Why postpone your farewells? This is what some observers think, who think that the “Bull of Manacor” will hang up at the end of Roland-Garros 2025.
There are few top level athletes who are so unanimously acclaimed on a human level than Rafael Nadal. Fabrice Santoro’s words only confirm the eternal class of the Spaniard, who, we hope, will be able to offer the farewell he hopes for to this world of tennis that he has served and honored so much.
