A file photo of 'Fedal' at Wimbledon.
Credit; Reuters Photo
'King of Clay' Rafael Nadal announced his retirement from tennis of Thursday, after a stunning career that saw him win 92 ATP titles, including 22 Grand Slams.
He shared the stage with some greats of the sport during his time on court, many of whom poured out heart felt wishes while reacting to the announcement.
Chief among them was Roger Federer, whose famous on-court rivalry and off-court brotherhood with Nadal was commonly referred to as 'Fedal'. On Nadal's Instagram handle, Federer commented below the retirement video, stating, "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 honor!"
Credit: Instagram/@rogerfederer
The current Wimbledon champion, and fellow Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz, who many consider to be Nadal's successor, thanked Nadal for inspiring him to play tennis and setting an example for all.
In a post on X, he said, " From the child who watched you on television and dreamed of becoming a tennis player to the one who had the immense gift of playing alongside you at Roland Garros representing Spain in the Olympic Games!
Thank you very much for being an example at all levels, your legacy is unrepeatable!
I have enjoyed you very much and I will miss you very much when you leave after the Davis Cup, Rafa!"
Novak Djokovic, who also shared a great rivalry with Nadal, with both of them having met in the finals multiple times, also shared a heartfelt post for Nadal. He thanked him for pushing him to his limits during their rivalry, and said,"our rivalry that has impacted me the most as a player."
In his post, he said, "Rafa, one post is not enough to express the respect I have for you and what you have done for our sport. You have inspired millions of children to start playing tennis and I think that’s probably greatest achievement anyone can wish for. Your tenacity, dedication, fighting spirit is going to be taught for decades. Your legacy will live forever. Only you know what you had to endure to become icon of tennis and sport in general."
Djokovic, who played Nadal in 9 major finals, added, "Thank you for pushing me to the very limit so many times in our rivalry that has impacted me the most as a player. Your passion for representing Spain has always been remarkable. I wish you best possible farewell in Malaga with Davis Cup team of Spain. I will be there in person to pay respect to your stellar career."
Rod Laver, eleven times Grand slam champion, took to X to say, "Another tough one. Retirement is inevitable but I’m going to miss watching this bloke fighting for every point like no other. A truly remarkable human, best wishes."
Current ATP world No. 1 Jannik Sinner said he will never forget the few weeks that he spent training with Nadal.
"Thank you Rafael Nadal for everything you have given to the sport. To have the chance to spend a few weeks training with you a few years ago is something I’ll never forget. To watch you work as an athlete but also get to know you as a person off the court was even more special.
A true legend of the game who paved the way and taught so many of us how to be as a player and as a person.
You will be missed on the tour!"
Nick Kyrgios asked Nadal to play him one more time. In a series of posts, he said, "Rafa don’t retire I wanna play you 1 last time."
He then added, "We had our differences but you were one hell of a warrior. Best wishes and goodluck with whatever comes next."
Later he reminisced about having nightmare whenever he was poised to play Nadal. "Damn. I’ve had nightmares that have woke me up about Rafa. I’m gonna miss them. This was someone that I used to prepare for he was a motivation - I guess an inspiration. **** - it’s true- people do bring the best out of you. You were one of those people. damn….."
Nadal will play one final time at the Davis Cup, which set to begin on November 19.