Former tennis player Rafael Nadal has been awarded an honorary doctorate by the Polytechnic University of Madrid (UPM) in a ceremony held on Tuesday. During the event, Nadal emphasized the importance of humility, effort, and the link between elite sport and scientific research. The honor recognizes his career with 22 Grand Slam titles and the values of perseverance he embodies.
The Polytechnic University of Madrid (UPM) awarded Rafael Nadal an honorary doctorate on Tuesday in a ceremony presided over by rector Óscar García Suárez. The proposal came from the Faculty of Sciences of Physical Activity and Sports (INEF), which regards him as Spain's greatest athlete for his 22 Grand Slam titles, time as world number one, and two Olympic gold medals, as well as his values of effort and perseverance, aligned with UPM's principles of excellence, integrity, and solidarity. Javier Durán, an INEF professor and Nadal's sponsor, delivered the laudatio and stated: «We celebrate that excellence is not at odds with humility and respect for others»