Rafael Nadal formally performed his final tennis match on Tuesday on the Davis Cup, and it was an emotional goodbye for the sports activities world. His legendary 23-year profession included 22 Grand Slam wins, 92 ATP Tour titles, two Olympic gold medals and in addition to a lovable swagger and persona that transcended the game.
“The titles, the numbers are there. Individuals most likely know that,” Nadal mentioned. “However the way in which that I wish to be remembered extra is sort of a good individual type a small village in Mallorca … I simply need to be remembered as a great individual and a child that adopted their goals, and achieved greater than what I ever dreamed.”
Longtime rival and shut buddy Roger Federer had one of the vital touching reactions as he wrote a heartfelt letter saying Nadal made him “reimagine” his recreation.
Novak Djokovic, the third piece of the period’s Massive Three, had posted his personal message to Nadal a month in the past and had even requested Nadal to remain a bit of longer. However a more moderen message got here in a particular video shared by the Davis Cup social media account.
“Your tenacity, your preventing spirit, the vitality that you simply introduced, the facility is one thing that will likely be studied and one thing that will likely be transferred to many, many generations which can be arising,” Djokovic mentioned. “I have been very honored and thrilled to be referred to as your rival. The tennis world and the sports activities world will miss the unbelievable vitality that you simply introduced on the court docket. There’s a lot to embrace, a lot to have a good time.”
That video additionally included messages from different stars together with Serena Williams.
“You have impressed me to have so many wins, to maintain going, to combat, to get higher, to enhance. To mainly play such as you,” Williams mentioned. In her personal put up, she admitted she was getting choked up seeing Nadal retire. She was additionally decked out in his gear.
World No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz, 21, who has established himself as the subsequent Spanish tennis star, shared that Nadal was his inspiration.
Coco Gauff is American, however on Tuesday she liked a special nation. “At the moment, I’m from Spain,” she wrote.
Retired soccer celebrity David Beckham despatched Nadal a message that was partly in Spanish. “Hola, mi amigo Rafa,” he mentioned. “Felicidades por tu carrera increible (Congratulations to your unbelievable profession). Rafa, I needed to ship my love and big congratulations to you for an incredible profession. Thanks for thus many unbelievable moments and reminiscences as a tennis fan and every part that you’ve completed to encourage younger folks around the globe.”
Nike lit up a construction subsequent to the Eiffel Tower highlighting a few of Nadal’s largest accomplishments.
The ATP Tour celebrated by sharing a video narrated by Carlos Moya, Nadal’s coach.
Nadal gained a document 14 French Open titles, so Roland Garros was very a lot current as nicely.
Listed below are another messages and reactions:
