“I intended not only to defend my integrity and my image as an athlete” – When Rafael Nadal won his defamation case against former French Sports Minister Roselyne Bachelot

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Sarbik Dutta

Rafael Nadal was accused of doping by former French health and sports minister Roselyne Bachelot

Back in 2016, former French Minister for Health and Sport, Roselyne Bachelot alleged that when Rafael Nadal was sidelined by a knee injury for seven months in 2012, it was actually because he had tested positive for a banned substance. Nadal filed a defamation case against Bachelot for her statements and next year, he won the case. Bachelot was ordered to pay damages of 10,000 euros, which the Spaniard then donated to a French charity.

Nadal has always played the sport in the right spirits and is considered an all-time legend for obvious reasons. “When I filed the lawsuit against Mrs Bachelot, I intended not only to defend my integrity and my image as an athlete, but also the values I have defended all my career“, said Nadal, after he won the case. He promised that the compensation will be paid back in full to an non-governmental organisation or foundation in France and he fulfilled his promises.

Fans react to the throwback of Rafael Nadal winning his case against Roselyne Bachelot

Let us take a look how fans on Twitter reacted to this throwback.

“Really felt proud to have her as a minister in my country.Very happy Rafa kicked her”, wrote a fan.

“Actually no. people should really think before they go public and she should’ve too. I’m happy Rafa won that case. All over the spectrum these accusations have to stop. If there is no evidence, just shut up doesn’t matter how “dodgy” something seems to you”, tweeted another fan.

“She was a pure bitch to do that and we were all 10ft tall that Rafa took her to the cleaners”, read a tweet.

“Class and poetic justice on both courts. Gracias @RafaelNadal”, tweeted another fan.

Another fan wrote: “Oh my God I completely forgot about this. Maybe some people on Twitter should be reminded of what happens when they spread baseless lies?”

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