The match schedule kept shifting, and with just one day’s ticket, my hopes to see Rafa play were cautious at best. Given his recent struggles with injuries, I knew there was a chance he might not make an appearance. Still, I couldn’t shake the feeling that he’d be there—especially if this might be his last Barcelona Open. Just in case, I even altered my morning runs to pass by the Real Club de Tenis Barcelona in the days leading up to the tournament, hoping for a glimpse of one of my greatest sports heroes. Though I hadn’t been lucky there, we were absolutely ecstatic when it was finally confirmed: we’d get to see the Rafael Nadal in action.

Tennis is one of the few sports I follow religiously. I’ve sacrificed sleep many times to catch matches at odd hours in our time zone. It’s a sport that keeps me on the edge of my seat—I’m the type to cheer, jump, and fling pillows with every point. So it’s no surprise that my favorite player is one who brings the most energy to the court. Watching Rafa, in particular, is a thrill like no other. His sheer determination on the court, battling for every point with unwavering intensity, has inspired me time and again. I’m not usually one for bucket lists, but getting to watch him play live was an experience worth saving up for—even if it meant returning to Barcelona just five months after my last visit.

The Barcelona Open feels more intimate compared to the larger tournaments like Wimbledon or Roland Garros, making it a perfect choice if you want to see Rafa up close. Held in April, the weather is generally pleasant. The venue may be small, but the vibe is electric without feeling overwhelming. There were fun booths for all sorts of activities—we had a blast pretending to sign off as champions at the Sabadell booth. Even the basics were well-covered: clean restrooms (a must for long event days), and while there were queues for food and drinks, they moved quickly. The merchandise was cool, and surprisingly, the prices were reasonable.

Our seats had a good view of the center court, though we also took time to explore the outer courts and watch some rising stars in action. Another highlight for me was seeing Andrey Rublev. While I may not be the biggest fan of his fiery temper, he has a charm both on and off the court that makes you want to root for him. Although he didn’t win, it was still a treat to witness his powerful game live.

Then, the moment everyone was waiting for—Rafa’s introduction. The crowd was on its feet, and the cheers were deafening. You almost felt bad for his opponent. Dressed in a stylish purple and pink Nike outfit, one of the greatest tennis players of all time took the stage, and I couldn’t take my eyes off him. The way he moves is simply mesmerizing. We all know he’s the best, the undisputed King of Clay, but seeing him make the toughest points look effortless is pure art—something only Rafa can do.

The best part? Rafa won. He’d go on to face more challenges in the months that followed, but I’ll always cherish the memory of watching him triumph that day. As he heads into retirement, I can’t help but feel sentimental. I’ve admired Rafa not just as a player but as a person, and though I’ll miss seeing him compete, I know his impact will extend far beyond the court.

Rafael Nadal is widely recognized as the King of Clay. His exceptional dominance on clay courts, particularly at the French Open, has earned him this prestigious title. He holds a record 14 French Open titles, showcasing his incredible skill and mental toughness on the red clay.

As for tennis fans eagerly following the season, the Davis Cup Finals kick off today, November 19, with the championship match set for Sunday, November 24. For details on where to stream the Davis Cup online, visit the official Davis Cup website or check with your local TV provider for the list of broadcasters and streaming options available in your region.