‘He Was From Another Galaxy’ – Down to Earth Rafael Nadal Leaves 25-YO Romanian Pro Spellbind With His Humility

For Romanian tennis player, Miriam Bulgaru, Roland Garros wasn’t just a Grand Slam tournament – it was the stage for a dream come true. Meeting her idol, the legendary Rafael Nadal, on the hallowed grounds of Parisian clay sent shivers down the spine of even the most casual fan. Imagine the sheer exhilaration for a rising star like Bulgaru! Here’s how she described her meeting with the King of Clay: “I had this feeling when I approached him…”

Rafael Nadal is currently preparing for his upcoming French Open first-round draw against Alexander Zverev. But, even amid the pressure and duress of the whole event, Nadal never stops to greet his fans with kindness and love. According to a random fan’s post on X, Bulgaru, who closely followed Nadal’s training sessions in Paris, had an overwhelming moment seeing Spaniard in the locker room face-to-face. “It was the first time I met Rafa and the fact that it happened at Roland Garros is really special,” expressed Miriam to a Roman press, GSP.ro.

“When I approached him to take a photo, besides his extraordinary kindness, I had the feeling that he was from another galaxy!,” revealed the Romanian player. While the player from Alba Iulia leaves Paris with some priceless memories, sadly, the 199th WTA player couldn’t move past the second qualifying round at Roland Garros. Her selfie with the 14-time champion at Roland Garros signifies the same excitement on her face, while both of them smile at the camera.

Much like the 5,000 fans who welcomed the 37-year-old player on Philippe Chatrier with love and admiration, Bulgaru also met him and saw him practice before his upcoming match. Before that, Bulgaru only closely followed his matches on TV, garnering her source of inspiration and ambition watching Rafael Nadal play on-court. “Whenever I saw him in matches, on TV,I automatically got my dose of ambition, motivation and fighting spirit, but when I saw him live, all of that was much more intense,” the 25-year-old admitted.

But seeing his matches live did the ultimate magic for her. After clicking a picture with him, she admitted, “I can admit that this image(the one she described earlier) with Rafa helped me the next day. In my first match, to fight to the last ball. To save a match ball and not give up, winning my match in 3 hours and 17 minutes!” And indeed so.

Fans witnessed her gripping first round qualifier match against Aliona Falei, that ended with a score of 6-4, 5-7, 7-6(3). However, the next match against the 22-year-old Californian Katie Volynets did not produce the same result, as she faced a two-set defeat against her. However, even after the loss, it seems like Bulgaru is taking home more than just the lessons from her match. 

Rafael Nadal’s interaction with fans has always been special to him as well, be it in Paris or Rome. It was only a few weeks ago when people saw Rafael Nadal’s other special fan moment in Rome. This time, not one, but hundreds of fans.

The time when Rafael Nadal bid adieu to his fans after his last match in Rome

Rafael Nadal, who hinted at his retirement after this season due to his hip injuries, is enjoying his probably the last tour of his career. Naturally, fans are paying their tribute to the 22-Grand Slam Champion in almost every tournament that he is playing. However, the latest one in Rome stole every admirer’s heart. Hundreds of fans greeted the 10-time Italian Open champion outside the court in Rome after his last match there. 

They chanted his name, appreciated his achievements, and clicked photos of him. Rafael Nadal, smiling at the gesture of his fans, walked on a bridge above, waving and acknowledging their love. The moment was a blend of pride as well as sadness both for the Spaniard and the fans.

Rafael Nadal’s contribution to tennis is huge. Even when it is time for him to bid adieu to his favorite sport, he still continues to inspire his fans worldwide, and everyone saw another glimpse of that through Bulgaru’s story.