Credited from: HUFFPOST
On June 19, Spain's King Felipe VI awarded tennis legend Rafa Nadal with the noble title of marquis, acknowledging his significant contributions to the nation through his sports achievements, according to a royal household statement. Nadal, who boasts 22 Grand Slam championships and retired last year, was honored along with five other notable figures during celebrations marking the monarch's 10th anniversary on the throne, as reported by Channel News Asia and Reuters.
The title, Marquis of Llevant de Mallorca, reflects Nadal's roots on the island where he was born. The royal statement noted that these individuals are "a source of pride for Spain and a permanent reference point for values that should inspire our society," according to the palace. Nadal will be able to pass the title to his descendants, as highlighted by HuffPost and Reuters.
Furthermore, Nadal, who achieved a historic record of 14 victories at the French Open, was recently honored at Roland Garros with a permanent footprint on the Centre Court, marking his unparalleled contribution to tennis, according to HuffPost, Channel News Asia, and Reuters.