In Pictures: Rafael Nadal has meet-and-greet with King Felipe VI of Spain, shares a warm embrace after triumphant display in Madrid Open 2R

King Felipe VI of Spain congratulated Rafael Nadal on his triumphant win over Alex de Minaur at the 2024 Madrid Open.

The former World No.1 is currently competing at the Madrid Open 2024, where he is the home favorite. The Spaniard kicked off his campaign with a comfortable 6-1, 6-0 win over 16-year-old Darwin Blanch in the opening round. He was next pitted against 10th seed Alex de Minaur, who had recently defeated him at the Barcelona Open.

In one of the rare matches where he was widely considered the underdog, the Spaniard claimed an emphatic victory against the Aussie. After clinching a hard-fought first set in the tiebreaker, the former World No. 1 broke De Minaur early in the second set and went on to win the match 7-6(6), 6-3 and set up a third-round meeting with Pedro Cachin.

In what could well be his final appearance in Madrid, some of the biggest names around the world came to watch the 37-year-old, including a very 'royal' guest. Felipe VI, the King of Spain, witnessed the Spaniard's triumphant win and met him after the match to congratulate him.

Watch the moment below:

---

"(He is) one of the best ambassadors that our country can have, and for that I wish to thank him" - King Felipe on Rafael Nadal

The King congratulates the Spaniard after his 2022 French Open triumph

King Felipe VI has expressed his admiration for Rafael Nadal on numerous occasions and has also called him one of Spain's 'best ambassadors'.

The Camino Real Award is awarded to Spanish professionals who have enriched Spain's image in the United States. The 22-time Major champion was awarded the honor in 2022, where the King spoke highly of him, calling him a new link to the already excellent chain of Spaniards portraying the country's best image in North America.

"[Rafael Nadal is] a new link in an excellent chain of Spaniards who, due to their admirable and outstanding work, contribute to promoting and disseminating the best image of Spain in the countries of north America", King Felipe VI said in Sep. 2022 (via Majorca Daily Bulletin).

He also said the manner in which the 14-time French Open champion dazzled the crowd made him one of Spain's best ambassadors.

"Through their efforts, Nadal and previous winners of this award transmit the 'most authentic and positive' attitude, not only in the sports arena. The manner in which Nadal "dazzles countless followers has led him to be one of the best ambassadors that our country can have, and for that I wish to thank him".

Rafael Nadal is one of only six people to have received this coveted honor.