"A lovely bloke and a gentleman" - Rafael Nadal's sympathetic side recalled by cancer survivor and sports presenter

Sky News presenter Jacquie Beltrao has taken to social media to celebrate and reminisce about her interactions with tennis icon Rafael Nadal. This comes as news of the tennis icon's potentially impending retirement have begun to circulate.

Renowned for his tenacity and skill on the court, the Spanish professional tennis player is reportedly planning a farewell tour for next year. The 36-year-old has amassed an impressive record, with 14 victories at Roland Garros and 22 Grand Slam titles overall under his belt, contributing to his status as a legend in the sport.

In a tweet posted on May 20, Beltrao praised Nadal, stating:

"He is one of my favourite sports stars of all time - love interviewing him."

She recalled a special moment from her first day back at work for Sky News after her cancer treatment, where Nadal had shown his compassionate side.

"When I returned to work after cancer first time around, my first day back at work for @skynews was @wimbledon & I got to do a quick interview - he had about 20 to do but he pulled me to one side and said 'I heard you had chemo and I heard it's very rough, hope you're ok.'"

Apart from Twitter, Beltrao also shared her sentiments about Nadal on Instagram. She posted a photo from 2015, featuring her with Nadal at the construction site of what would later become the Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca.

In her Instagram post, she echoed her earlier sentiments:

"He is one of my favourite sports stars of all time - love interviewing him."

Beltrao expressed both sadness about Nadal's upcoming retirement and happiness that he would get to relax at home with his family in Mallorca.

"All brilliant things come to an end but I’m sad @RafaelNadal is planning his goodbye tour next year but happy that he’ll get to relax at home in Mallorca with his family - here he is in 2015 showing me round the building site that would become the @rnadalacademy 🇪🇸 He is one of my favourite sports stars of all time - love interviewing him. A true sports legend who’s a lovely bloke."

Both her Twitter and Instagram posts were met with a flurry of comments and likes, underscoring Nadal's popularity and the impact of his impending retirement on the tennis world.

As the ATP Tour gears up for the departure of one of its most legendary figures, Beltrao's poignant tributes encapsulate the universal admiration and respect for Nadal. The Spanish champion's farewell tour is likely to be a significant event in the sporting calendar of 2024.

The depth of affection and respect from colleagues and rivals alike demonstrates the immense influence Nadal has had on the sport. He will be leaving a legacy that will be remembered long after his retirement.

Rafael Nadal: Ace of philanthropy off the court

2011 Australian Open - 'Rally For Relief'

Often celebrated for his extraordinary tennis career, Rafael Nadal has also been quietly dedicating considerable effort to philanthropy. The Spanish superstar's charitable pursuits show the same intensity and commitment as his performance on the court. This illustrates his dedication to supporting his community and promoting education and sports among the youth.

One of the main vessels of Nadal's philanthropic endeavours is the Rafa Nadal Foundation, established in 2008. Co-founded with his mother, Ana María Parera, the foundation focuses on social work and development aid, particularly aiming to provide equal opportunities for children and youth.

It leverages the tool of education and sport to drive social mobility, striving to help those at risk of exclusion and with disabilities.

The Rafa Nadal Foundation runs several programs, including the 'More than Tennis' program, which is carried out in collaboration with Special Olympics Spain. This program, specifically designed for children and young people with intellectual disabilities, seeks to promote their social integration through sport.

Another noteworthy project is the Rafa Nadal Academy by Movistar, launched in 2016. The academy merges education with high-performance tennis training, creating an environment where young players can grow personally and professionally. The academy is located in Nadal's hometown of Manacor, on the island of Mallorca.

On an international scale, the Rafa Nadal Foundation has extended its helping hand to India. The 'Anantapur Education Center' project, created in 2010 in collaboration with the Vicente Ferrer Foundation, provides education and promotes sports as a means of personal development. It works among disadvantaged communities in Anantapur, one of India's poorest districts.

In addition to his foundation's work, Nadal has often responded to natural disasters by providing aid. Notably, following severe floods in Mallorca in 2018, Nadal personally contributed to the cleanup efforts and offered shelter to victims in his academy.

The commendable philanthropic efforts of Rafael Nadal amplify his status as an icon, not just in tennis, but as a global humanitarian. His unyielding commitment to helping others and promoting social equity truly encapsulates his mantra of never giving up, mirroring his relentless drive on the court.

While Rafael Nadal's impending retirement may signify an end to his professional tennis career, it is clear his influence will continue to extend beyond the court. This facet of his life accentuates the legacy of the 'King of Clay', leaving a lasting impression that transcends the world of sports.