After retiring from Wimbledon, Rafael Nadal went to greet All England employees and left a meaningful phrase: “I hope to see you next year”

To Spanish Rafael Nadal the body told him “enough” in Wimbledon and the spanish he should have left without losing any game. An abdominal injury complicated him in the quarterfinals and, despite beating the American Taylor Fritz in five sets, the number 4 in the ranking could not appear this Friday to face the semifinals against the Australian Nick Kyrgios. However, after confirming his retirement had a nice gesture towards employees and members of All England.

His farewell did not take place on the field, with an ovation descending from the stands at the end of a match, but was detected when he walked through the corridors and offices of the venue. And there weren’t his fans. On his way to the exit, Rafa was sharing hugs, handshakes, looks, smiles and kisses and exchanging a few words with those who work on the grounds and at the Grand Slam tournament.

There were also photos, of course. And a Spanish television camera, which followed his footsteps. Already inside the hall of one of the entrances to the stadium, she left on a table the huge racket bag she was carrying on her back and went in search of a group of women who were at a reception. At the exit, one of the chauffeured cars that are at the service of the tennis players was waiting for him and more photos and smiles. More employees arrived to say hello and be greetings, receive their word of thanks and pose for the cameras. And then Rafa let out a “I hope to see you next year. We will see…”. It is clear that his intention is to continue playing, but his physique may have a different plan…

And the truck started and drove away. He took Nadal and his disappointment for that seven-millimeter tear in an abdominal muscle that took him out of the contest. It was another example of his chivalry, which shines on the courts as well as off them.