Roger Federer has led the tributes to his ‘incredible’ adversary Rafael Nadal after the 22-time Grand Slam champion called time on a glittering tennis career.
The Spanish tennis icon is considered one of the greatest to ever play the game – and by some the best of all – but has shocked supporters by confirming he will soon be hanging up his racket for good.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion has struggled with injuries over the last few years and, fittingly, his final act on court will be playing for Spain in front of home fans in Malaga in the Davis Cup.
The 38-year-old’s decision to join Roger Federer in retirement will leave Novak Djokovic as the last man standing from the triumvirate who have dominated tennis for two decades.
Now Federer, with whom Nadal played out one of the greatest matches of all time in the 2008 Wimbledon final, has heaped praise on his former rival.
Roger Federer (left) has led the tributes to his ‘incredible’ adversary Rafael Nadal (right)
The Spanish tennis icon is considered one of the greatest to ever play the game but has shocked supporters by confirming he will soon be hanging up his racket for good
Federer said: ‘I always hoped this day would never come. Thank you for the unforgettable memories’
He posted on Instagram: ‘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!’
Roland Garros, which Nadal has made his home over the course of his career with 14 French Open wins, made reference to his dominance in its tribute.
’14 thanks for the millions of memories,’ the official account posted on X, formerly Twitter.
German football icon Toni Kroos, who retired over the summer, added: ‘What an example as a player and, more importantly, as a person! See you soon, Raf.’
Italian tennis star Matteo Berrettini simply said: ‘Legend.’
Australian hothead Nick Kyrgios added: ‘We had our differences but you were one hell of a warrior. Best wishes and goodluck with whatever comes next.’
Of all his records and accolades, the one that will surely never be repeated is his 14 French Open titles
The 22-time Grand Slam champion has struggled with injuries over the last few years
The 38-year-old’s decision to join Roger Federer in retirement will leave Novak Djokovic (left) as the last man standing from the triumvirate who have dominated tennis
The ATP tour said: ‘The tennis court will never be the same.’
Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo added: ‘Rafa, what an incredible career you have 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. Congratulations on an amazing career! Enjoy your retirement!’
US Open champion Jannick Sinner said: ‘It’s tough news for the entire tennis world. I’m lucky to have met him, he’s an incredible person.
‘The lessons he taught us about how to behave on the court, how to manage situations (…), also how to stay humble and not change for success, choosing the right people around you… he’s given us a lot.’
Carlos Moyá, Rafa Nadal’s coach since 2016, added: ‘We knew that one day this would happen. It’s an honour to have been part of your journey, in the end as a coach, but always as a friend. Thank you for everything.’
Compatriot Fernando Verdasco posted: ‘You have been my greatest rival, my partner, and my friend for more than half of my life!!
‘What you have accomplished is indescribable and what you will be missed for is even more so. THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING.’
He was a relentless competitor on the court and a flawless ambassador off it
He first erupted onto the scene with a stunning French Open title at 19 in 2005 – his first attempt
Nadal earned the career grand slam twice, sealing each of the sport’s four biggest prizes on two occasions
His victory over great rival and close friend Federer in 2008 is widely recognised as the best tennis match of all time
Wimbledon’s X account said: ‘Forever a champion.’
Toni Nadal, the Spaniard’s uncle and former coach, added: ‘I found out this morning, I knew he was retiring, but I didn’t know he was announcing it today.
‘I found out this morning because he told the family. I thought it was a normal moment that had to come and nothing more.’
Real Madrid also weighed in, saying: ‘Following Rafa Nadal’s announcement that he will retire from tennis as a professional player after the Davis Cup that he will play with Spain in November 2024, Real Madrid CF, its president and its Board of Directors wish to show their admiration and affection for one of the greatest legends of Spanish and world sport of all time.’
The first half of Nadal’s career was defined by his rivalry with close friend Federer; the latter portion by his battles with Djokovic. Of all his records and accolades, the one that will surely never be repeated is his 14 French Open titles.
He was a relentless competitor on the court and a flawless ambassador off it. Away from the camera, in the small interactions with support staff at events, he was unfailingly polite and humble and that is the truest measure of the man.
The tennis icon erupted onto the scene with a stunning French Open win at just 19 in 2005 at his first attempt, beating Roger Federer in the semis along the way – one of only four to beat the great Swiss that year.
He would later follow it up with another 13 titles at Roland Garros, with nine coming in his first 10 attempts, becoming one of the most dominant athletes in any sport in one specific event.
By 24 he had won all available grand slam titles – becoming the youngest to ever do so in the process – and has also twice earned Olympic gold for Spain (singles in 2008, doubles in 2016).
Yet, as he reflects in his message, all great things must come to an end, and the final of the upcoming Davis Cup will be Nadal’s final foray onto the court as a professional tennis player.
Federer led the praise for his former rival on social media on Thursday
Nadal has played out some of the sport’s most memorable matches, and his endeavour, determination, ability to play far beyond the pain barrier and sheer will to have earned him universal acclaim, from tennis and beyond.
From the incredible Wimbledon final in 2008, to his almost unbelievable triumph in Melbourne in 2022 fighting back from two sets down – the first to ever do so in the Open Era at the Australian Open – Nadal’s class was enduring.
Though naturally right-handed, he plays with his non-dominant hand which only underlines his talent and skill, which took him to the pinnacle of the sport.