Tennis legends Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic have paid heartfelt tributes to the ‘King of Clay’ Rafael Nadal after the Spanish star announced his retirement from professional tennis, set for the end of the 2024 season. The 38-year-old, who has battled multiple injuries in recent years, will make his final appearance at the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga, running from November 19-24.
Novak Djokovic took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his appreciation for the intense rivalry he shared with Nadal, which has shaped both their careers. Reflecting on their battles on the court, Djokovic wrote, “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 the best possible farewell in Malaga with the Davis Cup team of Spain. I will be there in person to pay respect to your stellar career.”
While Djokovic highlighted their competitive spirit, Roger Federer, who shared one of the sport’s most celebrated rivalries with Nadal, took to Instagram to congratulate him on an incredible career, sharing nostalgic images from their matches. The Federer-Nadal rivalry is often considered one of the greatest in sports history, captivating fans with their contrasting playing styles and mutual respect.
In a video posted on his official X handle, Nadal announced his decision to step away from the game, saying, “Hello everyone, I am here to let you know I am retiring from professional tennis. The reality is it has been some difficult years, these last two especially. I do not think I have been able to play without limitations.” He continued, “It is obviously a difficult decision, one that has taken me some time to make, but in this life, everything has a beginning and an end, and I think it is the appropriate time to put an end to a career that has been long and much more successful than I could have ever imagined.”
Nadal, a 92-time tour-level champion with 22 Grand Slam titles, spent 209 weeks as the world number one in the ATP Rankings. He has been a key figure in the sport, alongside Federer and Djokovic, as part of the ‘Big Three’ in modern tennis. Notably, Nadal holds a record 14 French Open titles, a feat that remains unmatched in the sport.
His retirement journey will culminate at home in Malaga, where he will represent Spain alongside rising star Carlos Alcaraz in the Davis Cup. Reflecting on his journey, Nadal also spoke about the role his family played in keeping his passion for the sport alive. “To come home and see how my son is growing every day has been a force that has really kept me alive and with the necessary energy to continue,” he shared.
Nadal thanked his rivals, team, and fans during the announcement, expressing deep gratitude. He said, “Finally, you, the fans. I cannot thank you enough for what you have made me feel. You have given me the energy I have needed at every moment.” He concluded with a heartfelt message: “Really, everything I have experienced has been a dream come true. I leave with the absolute peace of mind of having given my best, of having made an effort in every way. I can only end by saying a thousand thanks to all and see you soon.”
As the tennis world prepares to bid farewell to one of its all-time greats, Nadal’s legacy will endure through the memories of his incredible performances and the respect he earned from both peers and fans.
