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Although a few months have passed since the withdrawal of Rafael Nadalit is still a very recurring theme that occasionally finds its place in the spotlight. Especially when you consider that Novak Djokovic had not yet commented on this event, at which many had expected his presence, but which ultimately did not happen. In a private chat with Tennis majorsThe Serb confessed that he had experienced everything from afar and made it clear that he had intended to be in Malaga to honor the Spaniard, but an unforeseen event at the last minute changed everything.

“I don’t know exactly how they imagined the ceremony, but I know that the plan was to hold it after the semi-finals,” says the Belgrade native. “The intention was for Andy Murray and I to be thereas we were unable to meet our schedule for the quarter-finals, but we were guaranteed to progress on the day of the semi-finals. Unfortunately nothing went as expected, what can you do? Beyond that, I don’t know anything,” explains Djokovic, who usually spends many weeks a year in Spain, although in this case more than one person was excluded from the plan.

And what does Novak think of the ceremony? Did he like the video the ITF put together in honor of Nadal? He also found himself in controversial waters on this topic, although here it is normal to agree with the opinion of 99% of people who considered this video something very incomplete compared to what it could have been. “Of course I saw the ceremony, yes (…) If you want to hear my opinion, I think it was not carried out correctly. Maybe Rafa himself wasn’t sure whether he would play or not, whether he could play a little more, so maybe it was too late to do something bigger. I really don’t know, it’s all speculation.”

SEVERAL IMPORTANT ABSENCES

These days, as he takes part in the first Grand Slam of the season, Novak still vividly remembers the emptiness that Rafa might have felt that Tuesday in Malaga, where the elimination of the Spanish team meant the end of his career. To this setback must also be added a lackluster farewell, in which many people close to the 14-time Roland Garros champion were missing. A series of bad decisions, accompanied by a large dose of bad luck, culminated in a retirement to forget. “Maybe Rafa didn’t want to make too much noise so as not to disturb the rest of the teams, out of respect for the games, I don’t know. To be honest, I’m very sorry that I can’t be there“Djokovic admits in an interview.

But it wasn’t just Novak; None of the Big3 members were there, nor were many other tennis players related to Nadal who were important to his career, or athletes from other disciplines who greatly admire him. It concerns me that two months later no one has made any move to pay him a tribute worthy of Rafa, although this is a matter that should be discussed another time. By the way, if it happens, let’s hope Novak doesn’t miss it.

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