Exclusive: “It would have hurt me” – Rafael Nadal reveals reasons why he turned down French Open farewell

Rafael Nadal has revealed the reasons why he chose not to have a farewell ceremony at the French Open this year, stating that it would have hurt him to announce to fans that he had played there for the last time. While the former World No. 1 initially said yes to the proposal by tournament director Amelie Mauresmo, he changed his mind later and told her not to go ahead with it.In what could be his final campaign at Roland Garros, Nadal fell in the first round to eventual finalist Alexander Zverev in straight sets. While the Spaniard had a chance to address the crowd afterwards, it did not turn out to be quite the ceremony many were hoping for.