Federer’s photo says it all as world reacts to Nadal retirement
Roger Federer has led the emotional tributes paid to Rafael Nadal as the Spanish tennis icon announced his retirement.
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Roger Federer, Cristiano Ronaldo and Novak Djokovic have led a wave of tributes after Spanish icon Rafael Nadal announced his retirement on Thursday night (AEST).
The 38-year-old, who has won 22 grand slam singles titles, will make one last appearance for Spain at November’s Davis Cup Finals in Malaga before hanging up the racquet.
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The King of Clay broke the news with a classy video shared on social media channels — and the messages he has been sent in turn say it all about the beloved competitor.
Federer shared a photo of the pair sitting side by side, both in tears, as the Swiss great announced his own retirement two years ago.
He wrote: “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.”
Their rivalry will go down as one of the most iconic in the history of all sports.
Nadal edged their head-to-head count 24-16, coming out 6-3 on top in Grand Slam finals including his stunning Wimbledon triumph in 2008, widely regarded as one of the greatest grand slam finals ever seen.
Long-time rival and other member of tennis’ Big Three, Novak Djokovic also shared a classy message for Nadal, posting a photo collage of their friendship behind the scenes — including one photo of them in a spa together.
“Rafa, one post is not enough to express the respect I have for you and what you have done for our sport,” the 24-time Grand Slam title winner wrote.
“You have inspired millions of children to start playing tennis and I think that’s probably the greatest achievement anyone can wish for.
“Your tenacity, dedication, fighting spirit is going to be taught for decades. Your legacy will live forever.
“Only you know what you had to endure to become an icon of tennis and sport in general. Thankyou for pushing me to the limit so many times in our rivalry.”
Djokovic and Nadal clashed 60 times with the Serb edging their rivalry 31-29.
Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz, already a four-time major winner at 21, said he had been shocked by Nadal’s announcement.
“When I watched it, it was tough to accept it. I was in shock a little bit,” he said.
“To see him leave tennis, which is what he loves, is painful, it hurts me.”
Alcaraz will play with Nadal in the Davis Cup finals.
He also posted a message on social media that was accompanied by a photo of him as child alongside Nadal and another of the pair in action at the Paris Olympics.
“From the boy who watched you on television and dreamed of becoming a tennis player to the one who had the immense gift of playing by your side at Roland Garros representing Spain in an Olympic Games,” he wrote.
“Thank you so much for being an example on every level, your legacy is incomparable.”
Football icon Ronaldo was also full of admiration.
“Your dedication, passion and incredible talent have inspired millions of people around the world,” he wrote on Instagram.
“It has been an honour to follow your journey and to be able to consider you a friend. Congratulations on an exceptional career and happy retirement.”
Australian Nick Kyrgios also thanked Nadal, but did not shy away from the fact they are not on the best of terms.
“We had our differences but you were one hell of a warrior,” Kyrgios posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“Best wishes and goodluck with whatever comes next.”
He also posted: “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*** — it’s true — people do bring the best out of you. You were one of those people.”
Spanish sporting greats also shared their admiration
“THANK YOU RAFA, for being a benchmark for everyone,” Six-time MotoGP champion Marc Marquez on X.
Spanish cycling great Alberto Contador also posted: “Thank you so much for everything you have given us.”
Nadal is set to end his two decades as a professional with 92 titles and prize money alone of $135 million.
Through it all, it is perhaps his relationship with Federer that will stand out the most about his career.
“When Roger leaves the tour, an important part of my life is leaving too,” admitted a tearful Nadal as he played Laver Cup doubles alongside 41-year-old Federer in the Swiss star’s final appearance in September 2022.
The two clasped hands as Federer hobbled into retirement.
When Nadal equalled Federer’s haul of 20 Grand Slam titles by lifting his 13th French Open in 2020, the Swiss described it as the “greatest achievement in sport”.
Federer never begrudged Nadal moving past him to 22 majors.
“I can call up Rafa and talk about anything,” said Federer at his emotional farewell in London.
“We enjoy each other’s company. We have a million topics to cover. I always feel like any evening we ever spent together we never have enough time.”
He summed it all up with one perfect comment said seven years ago.
“Tennis is a tough sport,” he said.
“There are no draws. If there were, I would have been happy to accept one and share it with Rafa.”
Nadal also thanked Federer in his farewell video.
“It is obviously a difficult decision and one that has taken me some time to make.” he said in the video.
“But, in this life, everything has a beginning and an end.
“And I think it’s the appropriate time to put an end to a career that has been long and much more successful than I could have ever imagined.”
“But, I’m very excited that my last tournament will be the final of the Davis Cup and representing my country.
“I think I’ve come full circle, since one of my first great joys as a professional tennis player was the Davis Cup final in Seville in 2004.”
Nadal won a record 14 French Open titles in his career, a mark that is unlikely to ever be broken.
He also thanked his mother and father, his wife Mery and his sister in the emotional video.
“(My mother) has made all the sacrifices she had to make so that we would always have everything,” he said with misty eyes.
“My wife Mery, we’ve been together for 19 years. Thank you for everything you have done.
“And finally you, the fans, I can't thank you enough for what you have made me feel.
“You have given me the energy I have needed at every moment.
“Really, everything I have experienced has been a dream come true.
“I can only end by saying a thousand thanks to all and see you soon.”
— with AFP
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