Novak Djokovic gets second Rafa Nadal message after breaking Spaniard’s record
Djokovic rewrote history at Roland Garros, picking up his 23rd Major title. As well as breaking the men’s singles record, he tied Serena Williams for the most Grand Slams won in the Open Era.
He also became the first man to win all four Slams at least three times as it marked his third Musketeers’ Cup. Nadal was one of the first players to congratulate the Serb as he lifted the trophy on Sunday, sharing a classy message on social media.
And he took the opportunity to laud Djokovic’s feat again during this year’s graduation ceremony at his Rafa Nadal Academy. Addressing the crowd and the students on Wednesday, Nadal said: “Three days ago, Roland Garros ended.
“First of all, I want to congratulate Novak Djokovic for having achieved something that had never been achieved before in men’s tennis. Reaching 23 Grand Slams titles are numbers which, a few years ago, seemed impossible to reach, and he has achieved it.
“Many congratulations to Novak from here – personally and from the entire academy – for having achieved something so difficult in a sport as competitive as tennis.” Another French Open champion was also present for the graduation, as Iga Swiatek gave a speech and presented diplomas days after lifting her third Roland Garros trophy.
The Spaniard also congratulated the WTA world No 1 on her fourth Major trophy and Swiatek – a self-confessed big fan of Nadal – paid tribute to her idol. The 22-year-old said: “During the last few weeks I have been able to see a quote in Court Philippe-Chatrier, in which it is said that victory belongs to the most tenacious.
“Thanks to Rafa, the word tenacity has a great meaning for me. Rafa, you have shown us that The best way to live life is to never give up.” And the academy also helped Swiatek out with one final achievement she hadn’t properly crossed off.
After presenting the graduates with their diplomas and posing for photos, Swiatek said: “If I could borrow one of the hats and throw it in the air that would be so cool because when I graduated it was during COVID, so I got only an online graduation.”
And she got to do just that. Swiatek donned one of the caps, moved the tassel from one side to the other and threw it in the air with the Rafa Nadal Academy graduates.
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