22-time grand slam winner Rafael Nadal announced that he will be retiring after the Davis Cup finals next month. Nadal, who has been on the professional circuit since 2001, took to his social media to announce that the decision to call it quits was owing to the persistent injury problems over the past couple of years.
“The reality is that it has been some difficult years, the last two especially,” Nadal wrote. “I don’t think I have been able to play without limitations.”
Since the announcement, social media has been pouring with tributes for the Spaniard, including from his long-time competitor Roger Federer.
“What a career, Rafa! I always hoped this day would never come. Thank you for the unforgettable memories and all your incredible achievements in the game we love. It’s been an absolute honour,” Federer wrote on X.
Federer himself had retired from the professional sport back in 2022, after his final Laver Cup doubles match with Nadal.
Number one in the men’s singles ranking, Jannik Sinner and world number two in the female division Ons Jabeur conceded that Nadal had a huge imprint on his own career.
“It’s tough news for, I think, all the tennis world, and not only the tennis world. What I can say, I was very lucky to get to know him also, like, you know, person’s-wise, and he’s an unbelievable person,” wrote Sinner.
“We all saw how good he has been as a player, the lessons he taught us, the young players, how to behave on the court, how to handle situations on the court, tough situations. He gave to all of us a lot of emotions when we saw him playing,” he added.
“Thank you Rafa for inspiring me and all of us. You will be missed,” Jabeur tweeted.
2022 Wimbledon men’s singles finalist, Nick Kyrgios also lavished praise on Nadal, sharing that he wished to play one last time against the Spaniard.
Federer himself had retired from the professional sport back in 2022, after his final Laver Cup doubles match with Nadal. (AP)
“Damn. I’ve had nightmares that have woke me up about Rafa I’m gonna miss them. This was someone that I used to prepare for he was a motivation – I guess an inspiration. F**k – it’s true- people do bring the best out of you. You were one of those people damn,” Kyrgios wrote in a separate tweet.
Outside of the Tennis world, five-time Ballon D’or winning footballer Cristiano Ronaldo also paid tribute to Nadal.
“Rafa, what an incredible race you’ve had! Your dedication, passion and incredible talent have inspired millions around the world. It has been an honour to witness your journey and to be able to call you a friend. Congrats on an amazing career! Enjoy your retirement,” Ronaldo wrote.
A football buff himself, Nadal was a constant presence at Spanish national team and Real Madrid games.
The official handle for Spain football wrote, “One of our own and one of the greatest athletes our country has ever produced is retiring. Thank you Rafa, for your titles, for your values and for being the voice of our last Euro. Please let us shout it one more time. Vamos, Rafa!”
Real Madrid club president Fiorentino Perez also responded on the news in a statement released on the club’s website. “Rafa Nadal is also a source of pride for our country and is an example of the core values of sport, with which he has forged his entire extraordinary career,” he said.
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