The world of tennis hails Rafael Nadal: Roger Federer, Roland Garros, Wimbledon
10/10/2024 08:00 AM
Rafael Nadal has announced his tennis farewell. A piece of news that had been in the air for weeks, if not months, which has found the epilogue that everyone expected: the Spanish champion will only play the Davis Cup Finals, scheduled in Malaga in November, before officially saying goodbye to tennis.
An infinite and wonderful career cannot be reviewed in a single article: Rafa was the protagonist of one of the greatest epics in sports, inextricably linking his name to clay-courts and - especially - to Roland Garros, where he won 14 titles, something absolutely crazy and probably unrepeatable.
Among the unforgettable rivalries were those with his great rivals and traveling companions, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, who dominated the Tour for 20 years, rewriting the history of our wonderful sport from scratch.
Under the long and moving video published by Rafa on social media to announce his retirement from tennis, one of the first to comment was the Swiss Maestro, who wrote:
"What a career, Rafa! I always hoped this day would never come. Thank you for the unforgettable memories and for all your incredible achievements in the game we love. It has been an absolute honor!"
Mil gracias a todos Many thanks to all Merci beaucoup à tous Grazie mille à tutti 谢谢大家 شكرا لكم جميعا תודה לכולכם Obrigado a todos Vielen Dank euch allen Tack alla Хвала свима Gràcies a tots pic.twitter.com/7yPRs7QrOi
— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) October 10, 2024
But it wasn't just Federer, of course. Many, including tournaments, federations, athletes, hailed the Spanish champion. Below are the most significant posts on X:
The end is near! 🥺 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal will retire from tennis after November's Davis Cup finals. #BBCTennispic.twitter.com/MExCvnIDNC
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) October 10, 2024
Forever a champion. #Wimbledon | @RafaelNadalpic.twitter.com/pe1XpcWycx
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) October 10, 2024
❤️💛#FIFAWorldCup | @RafaelNadalpic.twitter.com/bWUJXs2JvU
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) October 10, 2024
Endless pride, golden memories. 👋 @RafaelNadal | #Wimbledonpic.twitter.com/iVusid2q82
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) October 10, 2024
Rafael Nadal has announced his retirement from professional tennis 🎾🚨 pic.twitter.com/AeDqa5pII0
— Sky Sports Tennis (@SkySportsTennis) October 10, 2024
Thank you @RafaelNadal for inspiring me and all of us ❤️🙏 You will be missed 😢❤️ pic.twitter.com/uixuSLG0V8
— Ons Jabeur (@Ons_Jabeur) October 10, 2024
One last dance 💚 Rafael Nadal will retire after playing the Final 8 in Malaga in November.#DavisCuppic.twitter.com/75FdqOBWDc
— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) October 10, 2024
The end is near! 🥺 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal will retire from tennis after November's Davis Cup finals. #BBCTennispic.twitter.com/MExCvnIDNC
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) October 10, 2024
Grande Rafa. @RafaelNadal Gracias por todas las memorias ………. Gracias amigo
— andyroddick (@andyroddick) October 10, 2024
Nope, I/we refuse this application to retire https://t.co/QuDOfuZ65I
— Katie Boulter (@katiecboulter) October 10, 2024
14-year-old Rafael Nadal was Spain's flag bearer when they first won the #DavisCup title in 2000 🇪🇸 24 years later he will wear the Spanish colours to end his career 💚 pic.twitter.com/aGMcCW1j9j
— ITF (@ITFTennis) October 10, 2024
Thank you, @RafaelNadal. 22-time Grand Slam champion and five-time Laureus Award winner Rafael Nadal has called time on an incredible career. The ultimate competitor on court, a true inspiration off it. Thank you for the memories. #GraciasRafapic.twitter.com/hz8PZ05FRY
— Laureus (@LaureusSport) October 10, 2024
