Match-worn Rafael Nadal French Open final shirt raises over €20,000 to fight coronavirus pandemic

Rafael Nadal has raised over €20,000 in the fight against coronavirus after a match-worn shirt he donated was auctioned in Spain.

The 33-year-old gave his 2019 French Open shirt to the solidarity auction #LaMejorAsistencia, which was organised by Spain’s ACB Basketball League to raise money for the Red Cross.

Nadal’s shirt was a big seller in the auction, bringing in €20,500.

Basketball player Juan Carlos Navarro also donated the shirt he wore in his last international match, which brought €6,200, and match shoes signed by the late Kobe Bryant raised €6,100.

Sponsors of the top Spanish basketball league, Endesa, donated €15,000, with the auction rising €143,000 in total.

“It is difficult to say something in these difficult times,” Nadal said on the coronavirus crisis last month, “and I can only say in this case that we all feel very sorry, that we trust that at this moment we can go ahead with our lives as soon as possible.

“There are also positive things in these difficult times.

“We are demonstrating to be a united people, many companies are being supportive and contributing, and all citizens are showing ourselves united day after day, complying with all the standards that health [departments] advises us: stay at home, follow all the indications to end this terrible pandemic as soon as possible.”

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