France, through a media outlet, has uncovered the truth about Rafa Nadal and King Juan Carlos I: they have an excellent relationship. So much so that they claim the tennis player has always been the emeritus's favorite. Meanwhile, Nadal also feels a deep affection for Felipe's father, whom he even invited to his wedding with Xisca.
The relationship between Juan Carlos I and Rafa Nadal has been forged over the years, solidifying into a lasting friendship. Since the beginning of his career, the emeritus king has shown constant support, accompanying him at key moments both on and off the court. This connection has transcended the merely institutional, becoming a personal and close bond.
This is the relationship between Rafa Nadal and King Juan Carlos I
Talking about Rafa Nadal and King Juan Carlos I is talking about two iconic figures of our country from completely different fields. Both have championed the name of Spain beyond our borders, although the perception of them is very different. France has wanted to analyze what unites Nadal and the emeritus, bringing the truth to light.
The media outlet Point de Vue has uncovered the truth about Rafa Nadal and King Juan Carlos I: their excellent relationship. The emeritus king has always shown a great interest in sports, recognizing the talent and dedication of Spanish athletes. In this sense, Rafa embodies all the sporting values that identify him as a key figure in Spanish sports.
For this reason, King Juan Carlos has not hesitated to show him all his support both publicly and privately. Nadal, meanwhile, has kept a respectful and measured attitude toward the emeritus's figure. "Rafa remains undoubtedly Juan Carlos's favorite athlete and of the entire Spanish royal family," they state in the French publication.
So much so that they describe the man from Manacor as the "tennis player of their majesties," due to his close connection with the Spanish monarchy. King Juan Carlos I's public admiration for the tennis player has been expressed on various occasions. In 2005, during Nadal's first triumph at Roland Garros, he was present in the stands, enthusiastically celebrating the young athlete's victory.
"I'm always in contact with him, wishing him luck and encouraging him," Felipe VI's father once said.
Rafa Nadal invited King Juan Carlos I to his wedding
Juan Carlos I was also present at his twelfth victory at Roland Garros in 2019, when he was no longer head of state. Back then, he even went down to the locker room to personally congratulate Nadal on his new sporting success.
Days later, he and Doña Sofía visited the Rafa Nadal Academy where they were able to talk with the tennis player's parents and Xisca. That same year, the man from Manacor wanted to return some of the affection received by inviting the emeritus to his wedding. An invitation that Juan Carlos I gladly accepted as just another guest of the celebration.
The relationship between the two has also manifested in personal moments, such as shared dinners in restaurants in Mallorca and Madrid. There they have enjoyed each other's company and that of close friends, showing the trust they have nurtured over time.
The fondness for Nadal is not exclusive to King Juan Carlos I. The entire Spanish Royal Family has expressed their pride and admiration for the tennis player. Felipe, the infantas, and even Letizia and her daughters have been captivated by the success of the man from Manacor, supporting him in his career.
However, unlike Juan Carlos, Nadal has not been seen with the rest of the members outside of protocol events. This reinforces the close relationship and closeness he keeps with the emeritus.