Rafael Nadal tributes pour in from Andy Murray, Roger Federer, Serena Williams, Novak Djokovic -'You have meant so much'
Updated 20/11/2024 at 10:24 GMT
Serena Williams, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray shared tributes to Rafael Nadal after his retirement at the 2024 Davis Cup in Malaga. Nadal, who was hoping for a prolonged run in the competition after announcing it would be his final time on court, bowed out of the professional game after Spain were defeated 2-1 by Netherlands on Tuesday. He was beaten in straight sets by Botic van de Zandschulp.
Highlights: Nadal suffers defeat at Davis Cup in possible final match
Video credit: SNTV
Serena Williams said Rafael Nadal's "legacy will never die", with the 23-time Grand Slam winner joining Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Raul in paying tribute to Nadal after his retirement from tennis.
Nadal made his final career appearance in a straight-sets defeat to Botic van de Zandschulp on Tuesday, and while Carlos Alcaraz kept alive hopes of the tennis great prolonging his career with a run in the Malaga tournament, Spain were ultimately defeated 2-1 by the Netherlands.
And ahead of his final bow, Williams delivered a touching tribute on social media.
"Congratulations on a career that most won't dare to dream of," Williams said on Instagram. "I feel so fortunate to have been able to play when you were playing and being great.
"You inspired me to be better, to play harder, to fight, to never give up, and to win more.
"No excuses, just play the sport. Your legacy will never die. Wow, to see your career from the beginning to today was an honour champ! Long live Rafa!"
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Highlights: Alcaraz keeps Spain in Davis Cup with victory over Griekspoor
Video credit: SNTV
Williams later added on X: "Why am I getting so choked up. With @RafaelNadal retirement. I'm not good at goodbyes."
Fellow retiree Williams appeared alongside Nadal at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, bearing the torch as a testament to their respective legendary careers on court.
Nadal's career ends with him sitting second in the men's standings for most Grand Slam titles won (22).
- Nadal's emotional farewell ends in defeat as Netherlands stun Spain
- 'We close the circle' - Nadal reflects after farewell defeat as Alcaraz says 'I did it for Rafa'
- Nadal choosing Davis Cup Finals for farewell 'very, very beautiful' - Henin
Roger Federer also provided a tribute ahead of Nadal's retirement, saying the Spaniard "challenged me in ways no one else could".
Nadal said in October that the Davis Cup would be his final bow on the professional stage, and he got off to a tough start with 4-6 4-6 defeat to Van de Zandschulp as the Netherlands established a 1-0 lead.
Alcaraz, though, restored parity in the tie with a 7-6(0) 6-3 win over Tallon Griekspoor to set up a decisive evening doubles clash.
And Nadal had to nervously watch on as Alcaraz and Spanish team-mate Marcel Granollers took on Van de Zandschulp and Wesley Koolhof, with Spain eventually falling to 6-7(4) 6-7(3) defeat - bringing Nadal's career to an end.
After the match, an emotional Nadal struggled to hold back tears as a video tribute was played, including messages from Federer, Djokovic, and Murray, among others.
Murray said: "The passion and intensity you played with was something I think all tennis players aspire to, and what all tennis fans will remember you for. It has been incredible watching you.
"Thanks for everything, enjoy retirement mate."
Djokovic, who shared one of the all-time great rivalries with Nadal, added: "Your tenacity, fighting spirit, and the energy you brought to the court, the power, will be studied and will be transferred to many generations that are coming up.
"I have been very honoured and thrilled to be called your rival.
"The tennis world and the sports world will miss the incredible energy you brought on the court. There is so much to embrace and so much to celebrate.
"The tennis world, and indeed the sporting world, will profoundly miss the incredible energy you brought to the game. There"s so much to celebrate and cherish around your legacy."
Former Spain and Real Madrid striker Raul called Nadal the "best sportsperson in history".
"Your values on and off the court have been a source of inspiration in my career and life."
Williams said: "You have meant so much in my career, you have inspired me to have so many wins, to keep going, to fight, to get better, to improve. To basically play like you."
Federer, Nadal's long-time foe and friend, said: "Congratulations on the most incredible career, it was such a privilege to play with you but especially against you.
"Some of my favourites memories with you are of course the 2008 Wimbledon final where you got me. I wish you all the best for what's to come with your amazing family."
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