Overview

• The ceremony is scheduled for midday Friday in the Paraninfo of the Historic Building, restricted to about 500 attendees with no press conference planned.
• Nadal arrived Thursday evening on a private flight from Palma de Mallorca and is staying at the Hotel Palacio de Castellanos, according to local reports.
• In a January vote by the Claustro de Doctores, the nomination passed 177–91, reflecting far more dissent than is typical for such distinctions.
• Critics tie the choice to image concerns under new rector Juan Manuel Corchado, while supporters led by Education dean Ricardo Canal emphasize values such as discipline and commitment to excellence.
• The university cites Nadal’s achievements, including 22 Grand Slam titles, five Davis Cups and two Olympic gold medals, as justification for the award.