22 Grand Slam titles over a 23-year career as a professional, an illustrious journey that sets Rafael Nadal apart from the pantheon of tennis greats. Recently, the esteemed individual has achieved a notable addition to his extensive résumé, elevating him to an exceptionally rare status: that of an honorary doctorate, which he received earlier from the European University of Madrid in 2015. This esteemed recognition now positions him above other distinguished individuals such as Roger Federer, who was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters by Dartmouth College in June 2024, and Andy Murray, who received an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Stirling in April 2014. However, the ceremony stirred controversy, as critics labeled it a “whim” of an embattled rector, sparking debate over the decision.

Since his retirement on 19th November 2024, during the Davis Cup in Malaga, the Spaniard has been living his life to the fullest. However, the significant moment of Rafa’s illustrious career came on the 18th of December last year when the governing council of The University of Salamanca (USAL), the oldest university in the Hispanic world proposed to award an honorary doctorate to Rafa Nadal because of “his personal career and professional achievements have inspired millions of people around the world, demonstrating that with effort, dedication and talent, extraordinary goals can be achieved,” as stated by the university. However, controversy was raised on 20th January, when Rafa received a “no” vote from a staggering 34% of the doctors eligible to cast their opinion on the proposal of the rectorship.

The main vote took place this Monday among 268 eligible voters, with two prominent candidates on the cards: Rafael Nadal and renowned microbiologist Emmanuelle Charpentier. Although the session was chaired by one of the controversial figures, Corchado, who was previously criticized for alleged manipulations in his resume, delivered two completely contrasting outcomes. In a historical and some context unconventional move by the university, Nadal secured the designation with 177 votes in favor against 91 opposed. And, meanwhile, Charpentier received overwhelming support from the votes, garnering near-unanimous approval along with 263 votes in favor of his honorary doctorate.

However, after the ceremony, critics raised that the 14-time French Open winner lacks any significant connection with Salamanca and the research or academic prestige to make him worthy of the honoris causa. Even, the Dean of the Faculty of Education, Ricardo Canal, added his praise for the tennis icon.

“One of the best athletes of all time, an example of values such as discipline and teamwork, humility and simplicity, perseverance and the spirit of improvement, and commitment to excellence. whether to help them become professionals or researchers who work for a better society.” “Nadal is a great ambassador for our country and — why not — he can also be one for our university,” he concluded. 

Either way, receiving yet another honorary doctorate adds a layer of prestige to Rafa’s illustrious name, celebrated worldwide for his fair play and achievements. 

The former World No. 1 now appears to be relishing his post-retirement life with golf, dedicating himself to nurturing the next generation of tennis talent through his academy, which inspires both on and off the court. However, this is not the first time that he faced such criticism over receiving an honorary doctorate from a Spanish university.

Nadal’s rejection of an Honorary Doctorate from the University of the Balearic Islands

Previously also, the Spaniard was nominated for the honorary doctorate from a native Spanish university, The University of the Balearic Islands (UIB), in March 2014. Then the 13-time Grand Slam champion who has achieved a record eighth French Open title notified the UIB that he would not receive the award because of some criticism from the teachers.

Then the rector of UIB, Llorenç Huguet received a letter from the tennis player that he would not receive the award because of the state of controversy and media debate around it. Although Nadal then thanked Huguet for considering his name for the distinction, the rector then provided a statement about this.

“continues to believe that he is a person worthy of this honor and that, at the same time, he honored the UIB. We think and continue to think that he is Mallorca’s best ambassador to the world and deserves that the UIB recognize both his accomplishments and the values he represents,” he added. 

It’s almost three months since the Spaniard retired from the core sports, from tennis. However, fans can expect him to play tennis soon, even if in a charity. But Nadal will play again!