Felipe VI, without Letizia but with Martínez Almeida, supports Rafa Nadal in what may be one of his last matches in Madrid

What may be the last game of Rafael Nadal in Madrid it started this Saturday, April 27 at around 4 p.m. at the Manolo Santana Stadium. That’s where, among many other well-known faces, the King Felipe VI, who did not want to miss one of the Spanish tennis player’s most important tournaments. The monarch has led the ranks of authorities together with the mayor of Madrid, José Luis Martínez-Almeida. In case of defeat (he faces the Australian Alex de Miñaur), the Mallorcan will say goodbye to Madrid as a professional tennis player.

From the stands they are also cheering for Nadal, his wife Mary Perello, his sister Maribel and his mother Ana Maria. This time, the little one of the family, Rafa Nadal Jr., has not attended his father’s game. We must remember that, last Thursday, Mery went to the Mutua Madrid Open court with the newborn.

Other well-known faces who have traveled to the Manolo Santana Stadium to cheer on the athlete have been Vinicius, Rudy Fernández, Roberto Leal, Pablo Motos and the actresses Maria Castro y Maria de Nati.

The father of Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofía has always accompanied Rafa Nadal on his most important sporting events. The last was in the 2022 Roland Garros final, in which Nadal beat Casper Ruud to win his 14th title in Paris. A few months later, in September, the king presented the athlete with the Camino Real award, awarded by the Franklin Institute of the University of Alcalá, which recognizes the tennis player’s work throughout his sporting career.

Juan Carlos I He also did not hide his sympathy and predilection for the winner of 22 Grand Slams. The institutional support turned into a strong friendship that led to dinners and lunches in well-known restaurants. The emeritus attended the tennis player’s wedding with Queen Sofia Xisca Perelló.