AS (Spanish daily sports newspaper): Dear Rafa

It’s been more than a year since Rafa Nadal last competed on the professional circuit, yet his legacy continues to inspire millions worldwide. To pay tribute to that unique connection that transcends the sport, AS (Spanish daily sports newspaper) launched #QueridoRafa, an initiative designed to show Nadal that his story is not just about titles or victories, but also about the countless lives he has touched along the way. To bring this vision to life, AS partnered with Havas Creative to develop an innovative concept: creating a special ink from clay collected at two of the most iconic venues in Nadal’s career—the Philippe-Chatrier court at Roland Garros and the Real Club de Tenis Barcelona, home of the Conde de Godó tournament. The goal was to craft unique pens that allowed fans and admirers to write personal letters of gratitude to Nadal. Each message was penned with the very essence of the courts where Nadal built his legend, turning every letter into a tangible symbol of his enduring legacy. The initiative was supported by prestigious institutions such as the French Tennis Federation, Roland Garros, and the Real Club de Tenis Barcelona, among others, and featured contributions from leading sports figures eager to join this tribute. The most emotional moment came on December 1, when all the letters were presented to Rafa Nadal during the AS Sports Awards Gala.