Earlier this month, Rafael Nadal showed himself to be a true gentleman with a simple gesture that may seem small but is significant. On Thursday, July 7, he had made public his withdrawal from Wimbledon due to a muscle injury, specifically an abdominal tear. It was physically impossible for him to serve with his left hand. His medical team recommended him to leave the court to avoid a major injury. Nadal gave a press conference during which he revealed his conviction that withdrawing from the competition was the best option, without hiding his sadness at being forced to back out. The following day, he packed his bags and slung his backpack over his shoulder. He left his room and walked to the door of the building where he was staying. He looked calm but serious. Then, he saw workers from the All England Tennis Club in the lobby of the building. They’re the people you don’t see; they don’t stand out and they’re not famous. Nadal decided there was one more thing he wanted to do before going out the door: greet them all one by one. It wasn’t just that he passed them on his way out; he went out of his way to meet them. He hugged one worker, shook hands with others, then went to the transportation counter where the comings and goings of the tennis court are managed. He showed his appreciation for those who attend to the stars of Wimbledon, taking pictures with whoever asked him. Upon leaving Wimbledon, he lost his chance to win the historic prize, but in the eyes of everyone it’s clear that he’s a champion in values: simplicity, selflessness, strength, joy in adversity, self-sacrifice, gratitude. Now he’s taking some days to recover, and probably will miss the US Open held in early September. The word is that it could be between 4 and 6 weeks. This will also give him time to enjoy the beginnings of his fatherhood: His wife Mery (Xisca) Perelló is pregnant.
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