Former Swiss tennis player Roger Federer and Cristiano Ronaldo were some of the top stars who sent best wishes to Rafael Nadal after the latter announced his retirement from the sport. He announced on Thursday that he will retire from tennis at the age of 38 and play his last tournament at next month's Davis Cup finals in Spain.
Nadal won 22 major singles titles during an unprecedented era he shared with his rivals in the so-called Big Three, Federer and ace Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic.
Nadal indicated his decision was related to persistent injury problems. Notably, over the past few years, he wasn’t at his best as injuries kept plaguing him.
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"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," Federer commented on Nadal's Instagram post.
The Spaniard's unrelenting style of play meant that he etched his name among the greatest ever of the sport and will finish as the player with the second-most number of major titles, only behind Djokovic.
"Rafa, what an incredible race you've had! Your dedication, passion and incredible talent have inspired millions around the world," Ronaldo commented on Nadal's post.
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The Spaniard hasn't played since the Paris Olympics, where he lost to old rival Djokovic in the second round of the singles tournament and reached the quarterfinals of the men’s doubles with Carlos Alcaraz.
"Thank you @RafaelNadal for inspiring me and all of us ❤️🙏 You will be missed 😢❤️," Tunisian tennis star Ons Jabeur tweeted.
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
A 92-time tour-level champion who spent 209 weeks at No. 1 in the ATP Rankings, Nadal has been one of the leading lights on the tour since turning pro 23 years back.
"Rafa don’t retire I wanna play you 1 last time," Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios tweeted.
Rafa don’t retire I wanna play you 1 last time
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) October 10, 2024