MADRID (AP) — After taking more than three hours of Rafael Nadal’s time on court, Pedro Cachin wanted one more thing from the 22-time Grand Slam champion.
Nadal’s shirt.
Cachin, an Argentine with one career ATP title, stretched Nadal over three sets in their first matchup. Nadal won their third-round match in the Caja Magica and Cachin was eager to meet him at the net.
“You made my dream come true for me, thank you,” Cachin said. “It’s not how the protocol is, but can I get your shirt, towel or something?”
“Yes, I’ll give it to you, of course,” Nadal responded. “Good luck with everything.”
Nadal shook hands with the chair umpire and waved to the crowd before going to his bag. He grabbed one of his match shirts and a bandanna and gave them to Cachin.
For Cachin, the day wasn’t a total loss.
AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis
What a blast to work at NASA. Space agency is sky
National Guard delays Alaska staffing changes that threatened national security, civilian rescues
The 12 jurors picked in Trump's hush money trial, including a woman who called him 'selfish'
Probe underway into highway school bus fire that sent 10 students fleeing in New Jersey
Kevin Pillar gets 1,000th career hit in Angels' win at Texas
Bilbao and Granada left wanting more in tight
Canucks' Rick Tocchet among new coaches making an impact in leading teams to NHL playoffs
Previewing the 1st round of the NBA playoffs, which start on Saturday
Travis Kelce downs whiskey shot on slice of bread at Kelce Jam without Taylor Swift
Stars waited late to find out they get playoff rematch against the defending Stanley Cup champions
Insider Q&A: CIA's chief technologist's cautious embrace of generative AI
G7 comes for Putin, Ayatollah and Xi: Ukraine to receive frozen Russian assets to fund 'game