{"id":13447,"date":"2024-12-23T02:53:43","date_gmt":"2024-12-23T02:53:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/usatoday.azontree.com\/?p=13447"},"modified":"2024-12-23T02:53:43","modified_gmt":"2024-12-23T02:53:43","slug":"watch-rafael-nadal-receives-special-treatment-from-crowd-as-he-arrives-to-cheer-on-joao-fonseca-in-atp-next-gen-finals-final-against-learner-tien","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/usatoday.azontree.com\/?p=13447","title":{"rendered":"WATCH: Rafael Nadal receives special treatment from crowd as he arrives to cheer on Joao Fonseca in ATP Next Gen Finals final against Learner Tien"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Rafael Nadal, Joao Fonseca, and Learner Tien (Source: Getty)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Rafael Nadal has continued to bring his star power to the 2024 ATP Next Gen Finals and was present to watch the title contest. Brazilian sensation Joao Fonseca squared off against American prodigy Learner Tien in the final.<\/p>\n

Nadal made his first tennis-related appearance since retiring from the sport in November at the 2024 ATP Next Gen Finals in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. In addition to visiting the Tariqa Hakim Abdul Museum, the Spaniard also made an appearance at the King Abdullah Sports City to watch tennis’ young guns battle it out.<\/p>\n

The 38-year-old attended the semifinal between Learner Tien and Alex Michelsen on December 21 and returned to the venue for the title contest on December 22. Nadal, in a black suit, was escorted by tournament officials and received a raucous welcome from fans as he made his way to the courtside to watch Fonseca and Tien compete.<\/p>\n

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