Rafael Nadal’s biggest rivals paid tribute to him after the Spaniard announced his impending retirement.
The 38-year-old, who has won 22 Grand Slam titles, including 14 wins at Roland Garros, revealed the news in an emotional video message posted on X.
Nadal, the 2008 and 2010 Wimbledon champion, has been plagued by various injuries in recent years, limiting his appearances to a handful of matches.
Mil gracias a todos Thank you all имаGràcies a toddler pic.twitter.com/7yPRs7QrOi
— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) October 10, 2024
Last year, he announced that he expected 2024 to be his last season, but over the summer it became increasingly clear that the end was near.
“Hello everyone, I am here to inform you that I am retiring from professional tennis,” Nadal said.
“The reality is that the last two years in particular have been difficult, and I don’t think we’ve been able to play without restrictions.
“This was obviously a difficult decision and took some time to make. But in this life, everything has a beginning and an end.”
22 Grand Slam titles
14 French Open wins, the most by any player in any tournament
Won the US Open four times
Two-time Wimbledon champion
Won the Australian Open twice
From April 2005 to May 2007, he won 81 consecutive matches on clay courts.
From April 2005 to March 2023, he was in the top 10 for 912 consecutive weeks, more than any other man.
1,080 wins in tour-level matches
Nadal has confirmed that playing for Spain in next month’s Davis Cup final in Malaga will be his final tournament, and it will be a fitting and emotional end to a glittering career.
Novak Djokovic, who faced off against Nadal a record 60 times, many of which were important matches in both players’ careers, has revealed he will be attending the Davis Cup to see his great rival eliminated.
Djokovic wrote on Instagram: “Rafa, one post is not enough to express my respect for you and what you have done for our sport. You inspired millions of children to take up tennis. I think that’s probably the biggest accomplishment anyone could hope for.
“Your tenacity, dedication and fighting spirit will be taught for decades to come. Your legacy will last forever. What you had to endure to become an icon in tennis and in sports in general. Only you know Tanaka. Thank you for pushing me to the limit so many times in the rivalry that influenced me the most as a player.
“Your passion to represent Spain has always been great. I wish you the best possible farewell to the Spanish Davis Cup team in Málaga. I will be there in person to pay my respects to your brilliant career. Masu.”
The teenager Nadal was part of the Spanish team that defeated the United States to win the Davis Cup trophy on home soil 20 years ago and will be aiming for his fifth title.
“I think this is the right time to end a career that has been long and more successful than I ever imagined,” he said.
“However, I am very excited that my last tournament will be the Davis Cup final and I will be representing my country.
“One of my first great joys as a professional tennis player was the Davis Cup final in Seville in 2004, so I think I’ve come full circle.”
Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal have dominated men’s tennis for 20 years (Pennsylvania)
Nadal’s success comes at an unusual time when he, Roger Federer, Djokovic and, for a while, Britain’s Andy Murray dominated the sport.
Federer was quick to pay warm tribute to his friend and great rival Rafa, writing on Instagram: “What a career, Rafa!” I always hoped that this day would never come.
“Thank you for the unforgettable memories and your incredible accomplishments in the game we love. It’s truly an honor.”
Nadal was visibly emotional when Federer, with whom he faced 40 times, retired at the 2022 Laver Cup.
“I feel very lucky with everything I’ve been able to experience,” the Spaniard added.
“I would like to thank the entire tennis industry, everyone involved in the sport, my long-time colleagues and especially my great rivals.
“I spent many hours with them and had many moments that I will never forget.”
Nadal, who will also compete in the exhibition Six Kings Slam in Saudi Arabia next week, has not competed since the Paris Olympics, when he formed a blockbuster doubles pair with his young successor Carlos Alcaraz.
Alcaraz will also be part of Spain’s Davis Cup team, and the 21-year-old said of the news: I was a little shocked.
“This is really difficult and really difficult news for everyone, but it’s even harder for me. He’s been my idol since I started playing tennis. I look up to him. .
“Losing him is going to be difficult for us in some ways, so we’re going to enjoy it as much as possible when he plays.”
Nadal thanked his team and fans, adding:
“Finally, all I can say is a thousand thanks. See you again.”
Nadal’s influence extends far beyond tennis and the former Real Madrid team he supports, with Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo writing:
“Your dedication, passion, and incredible talent have inspired millions of people around the world. It was an honor to witness your journey and call you a friend. Congratulations on a great career! Enjoy your retirement!”
Jannik Sinner, currently number one in the tennis world rankings, added at the Shanghai Masters:
“I’ve been very fortunate to know him and he’s an unbelievable guy. Of course we all saw how good he was as a player and he helped us He taught young players lessons about how to behave on the court, what to do on the court, how to deal with difficult situations, and how to stay humble.”
