Tennis legend Rafael Nadal felicitated with noble title by King Felipe VI of Spain

Rafael Nadal’s incredible achievements in the sport of tennis have earned him the prestigious noble title of Marquis.

In a proud moment for the tennis world, King Felipe VI of Spain bestowed the noble title of Marquis upon tennis icon Rafael Nadal, as a tribute to his achievements and sporting excellence. The Spaniard is a 22-time Grand Slam champion and is widely regarded as the ‘King of Clay’ for his supremacy on the surface.

The 39-year-old Spanish legend, who retired last year, has firmly cemented his place among tennis’s all-time greats. Nadal was one of six individuals honored during celebrations marking the monarch’s 10th anniversary on the throne. Others receiving the distinction included pop-rock singer Luz Casal and Paralympic swimmer Teresa Perales.

“They are a source of national pride and exemplify the values that should guide and inspire our society,” the royal household statement remarked. Rafael Nadal, the former world number one, has been granted the noble title Marquis of Llevant de Mallorca, a tribute to the island where he was born and continues to live. The honour is hereditary and can be passed on to his descendants.

Just a month ago, Nadal was given an emotional farewell by Roland Garros, and his footprint was imprinted at the iconic Philippe Chatrier Court. The Spaniard’s legacy will forever be remembered, and such was the magnitude of his dominance at the French Open that he lost just four matches out of the 116 times he played in Paris, winning a total of 14 Roland Garros titles, the most for any player in tennis history.

Nadal’s heroics were not restricted to Grand Slam Majors alone. The Spanish brought great pride to their country at the Olympic Games. Two-time Olympic champion Nadal won gold in the men’s singles event at Beijing 2008, the 31st singles title of his career and certainly his most unique.

He then won his second gold medal in the men’s doubles at Rio 2016, partnering Marc López to the gold medal. He has also led Spain to five Davis Cup titles and was ranked world No. 1 for 209 weeks, finishing as year-end No. 1 five times.

Full list of awardees honored by King Felipe VI of Spain:

• Rafael Nadal – Honored for his achievements in tennis, granted the noble title Marqués de Llevant de Mallorca.
• Teresa Perales – Honored for her accomplishments in Paralympic swimming; granted the noble title Marquesa de Perales.
• Luz Casal – Honored for her contributions as a pop-rock singer; granted the noble title Marquesa de Luz y Paz.
• Carlos López Otín – Honored for his work as a biochemist and molecular biologist; granted the title Marqués de Castillo de Lerés (life peerage).
• Cristina García Rodero – Honored for her achievements in photography, granted the title Marquesa del Valle de Alcudia.
• Jaime Alfonsín – Honored for his service as former head of the Royal Household; granted the hereditary title Marqués de Alfonsín with the dignity of Grandee of Spain.

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