Tearful Nadal hails unforgettable Seve

MADRID, May 8, 2011 (AFP) - Rafael Nadal paid an emotional tribute to Seve Ballesteros on Saturday, describing the legendary golfer as a true champion who left behind cherished memories.

MADRID, May 8, 2011 (AFP) - Rafael Nadal paid an emotional tribute to Seve Ballesteros on Saturday, describing the legendary golfer as a true champion who left behind cherished memories.

World number one Nadal stood side-by-side with old rival Roger Federer before the pair's Madrid Masters semi-final in a minute's silence at the Caja Magica here before a showreel of Ballesteros's greatest moments played out on the giant courtside screens.

AFP - Rafael Nadal celebrates winning against Swiss Roger Federer after their semi-final match of the Madrid Masters on May 07, 2011
AFP - Rafael Nadal celebrates winning against Swiss Roger Federer after their semi-final match of the Madrid Masters on May 07, 2011

"It's a terrible day for Spain and the world. We lost a great champion, probably the greatest in the history of Spain," said a tearful Nadal of the 54-year-old golfer, who lost his brave fight against cancer earlier Saturday.

"Seve was one of the pioneers in so many things... especially in golf. He was an example to everyone."

Nadal, with a black ribbon pinned to his shirt as a mark of respect for his compatriot, went on to thrill his fans and reach his third Madrid final in three years.

But he admitted it had been a tough day with Spain losing one of its greatest sporting sons.

"On Friday I was texting with his brother and he told me that he was critical and this morning the first thing I did was to turn on the TV, and the first thing I saw was that he had died," added Nadal.

"It's a day of sadness - when you wake up with news like that you face your day differently. The only thing I can do is to give all my support to his family. It is a loss that they will never get back due to all the values that Seve had.

"But luckily we have all of his videos and also we can remember him. Luckily one day I had the chance of playing 18 holes with him and it's an unforgettable memory."

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