Andy Murray hails Rafael Nadal and reveals what 'all fans will remember' about him
Yesterday at 05:20 AM
Andy Murray has paid tribute to the ‘incredible’ Rafael Nadal and has named the one thing ‘all tennis fans will remember’ about him.
Nadal played the final professional match of his career on Tuesday, ending an incredible spell in which he won 22 Grand Slam singles titles.
The 38-year-old, who hangs up his racket as one of the greatest and most loved players of all time, was celebrated with a special ceremony at the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga, where he featured for Spain in his last event.
At one point, Davis Cup organisers played a video containing messages from some of the most famous faces across both tennis and football.
British icon Murray, who entered retirement earlier this year, said in the clip that every tennis fan will remember Nadal for his passion and intensity.
‘The passion, the intensity that you played with was something that all tennis players aspire to and what all tennis fans will remember you for,’ Murray said about the 14-time French Open champion.
‘It’s been incredible watching you. Thanks for everything Rafa, enjoy retirement mate.’
Nadal, a massive fan of Spanish football club Real Madrid, also received a number of messages from some of his biggest heroes.
Real Madrid legend Raul declared Nadal was ‘the best sportsman in history’ and added: ‘Your values on and off the court have inspired my career and my life.
‘The passion that you put into each point. I think your legacy will be eternal.’
Nadal’s two biggest career rivals, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, sent fresh messages to the ‘King of Clay’ too.
Djokovic said: ‘Your tenacity, your fighting spirit, the energy that you brought, the power, is something that will be studied and something that will be transferred to many many generations that are coming up.
‘I’ve been very honoured and thrilled to be called your rival. The tennis world and the sports world will miss the incredible energy that you brought on the court. There is so much to embrace, so much to celebrate.’
Federer added: ‘Congratulations on the most incredible career, it was such a privilege to play with you but especially also against you.
‘My favourite memories with you Rafa are of course the 2008 Wimbledon final, where you got me! I wish you all the best for what’s to come.’
Manchester City footballer Rodri, who helped Spain win Euro 2024 earlier this year, said: ‘Rafael Nadal, I can’t think of anyone else who better represents the values of sport and life.
‘Thank you for filling our hearts with your tennis, with your comebacks.’
Serena Williams, meanwhile, added: ‘Gosh, in my career you have inspired me to have so many wins to keep going to fight get better, to improve, to basically play like you. My goodness you will be missed.’
Barcelona and Spain legend Andres Iniesta said: ‘It will go generation after generation, you will be eternal. Many congratulations.’
