‘I hoped this day would never come’: Federer leads tribute to retiring Nadal | Rafael Nadal

“Legend”, “role model”, “inspiration”, “friend”: Rafael Nadal’s announcement that he will retire after next month’s Davis Cup final sparked an outpouring of affection from the sporting world and beyond.

Nadal, one of the greatest tennis players of all time, who has won 22 Grand Slam titles and was world No. 1 for 209 weeks, published a video on various social media platforms on Thursday morning in which he revealed the “difficult decision” to take time off for his tennis career. career.

Roger Federer, who Nadal considered his biggest rival, said he “always hoped this day would never come”, Carlos Alcaraz said it made him want to become a tennis player and named footballers Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappé him as an example to everyone.

“What a career Rafa!” Federer wrote on Nadal’s Instagram in response to the 38-year-old’s video outlining his retirement plans, just over two years after Federer’s own retirement. “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 was an absolute honor.”

Former world No. 1 Andy Roddick, one of the first to see Nadal’s talent firsthand when he was defeated by the then 18-year-old in the 2004 Davis Cup final, said: “I knew the tennis world was in a major crisis. problem.”

Nick Kyrgios, who shared a sometimes tumultuous on-court relationship with Nadal, wrote on X: “Damn. I’ve had nightmares that woke me up about Rafa. I’m going to miss them. This was someone I was preparing for. He was a motivation – I think an inspiration. Fuck – it’s true – people get the best of you. You were one of those people. Damn.”

The current world number 1, Jannik Sinner, emphasized his affection for the person Nadal. “I was lucky to know him… and he is an incredible person,” he said in Shanghai. “Of course, the player, we have all seen how good he has been and the lessons he has taught us young players, how to behave on the pitch, how to deal with situations on the pitch, difficult situations. And also to remain humble (at the same time), not to change with success, to choose the right people around him and to have a great family.

Carlos Alcaraz, Nadal’s Davis Cup teammate and partner at this summer’s Olympics, said he was shocked when he heard the news. “To be honest, I couldn’t believe it when I looked at it,” he said in Shanghai. “It was difficult to accept it. I was a bit in shock. It’s very difficult, very difficult news for everyone, and even harder for me. He has been my idol since I started playing tennis. I look up to him. Proudly, thanks to him, I really wanted to become a professional tennis player. Losing him will be difficult for us in some way, so I will try to enjoy as much as possible when he plays.”

Nadal, a Real Madrid fan, will undoubtedly be touched by the reaction of many Galacticospast and present. “What an incredible career you have had,” wrote Cristiano Ronaldo. “Your dedication, passion and incredible talent have inspired millions of people around the world. It was an honor to witness your journey and call you a friend.” Vinicius Jr. simply described him as “Legend” and said “you were an example to everyone” and Mbappé said: “Congratulations on your career, Rafa, an example as a player and as a person. Enjoy your retirement. You will always be a legend.” Former Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos wrote: “What an example as a player and especially as a person.”

The President of the Balearic Islands, Marga Prohens, promised a fitting tribute and other politicians offered warm words. Carlos Moya said it was an honor to share Nadal’s journey, as a coach and friend, while Roland-Garros, where he won a record fourteen times, perhaps summed things up best: “King – Thank you for everything Rafa” , it said X.