Two of tennis’ greatest players paid tribute to their fellow legend Rafael Nadal after he retired from tennis.
The 38-year-old brought the curtain down on his illustrious career following Spain’s defeat to Netherlands in the Davis Cup quarter-finals.
Post-match, the Spaniard was given a standing ovation by his compatriots at the Martin Carpena Arena in Malaga.
Rafael Nadal’s career may have ended in defeat but he was given a rapturous farewell and received some touching messages from his peers.
Rafael Nadal receives tributes from Boris Becker and Rod Laver
Plenty of tennis players sent Rafael Nadal messages of support on the day of his retirement from professional tennis. Two of those to pay tribute are Boris Becker and Rod Laver, who hold a combined 16 Grand Slam titles.
Becker took to social media platform X and wrote: “One of a kind! It’s very sad to say @RafaelNadal will retire from tennis. An absolute Icon from our sport will no longer play the game we love on a professional level! We love and honour Rafa as long as he lives!”
Like many, Becker was touched by Roger Federer’s emotional letter to Nadal, to which he said: “Beautiful words from @rogerfederer about @RafaelNadal! 2 brothers from a different mother. Both changed the game of tennis together with @DjokerNole like no era before them!”
Laver added: “Rafa, watching you compete has been a privilege. Your legacy will endure as one of the greatest to ever grace the game.
“Thank you for the countless unforgettable moments and for setting a standard of excellence that will inspire generations to come. Wishing you happiness and success in this next chapter.”
Rafael Nadal says how he wants to be remembered as he retires from tennis
Nadal’s career came to an end following Spain’s 2-1 defeat to The Netherlands at the Davis Cup finals.
They fell behind following the former World number one’s defeat to Botic van de Zandschulp in the first match, before Carlos Alcaraz levelled the tie after beating Tallon Griekspoor.
But Alcaraz and Marcel Granollers were beaten by Van de Zandschulp and veteran Wesley Koolhof in the deciding doubles match to send the Dutch team through to the semi-finals.
Post-match, an emotional Nadal addressed the crowd and told them how he would like to be remembered in his retirement.
“I’d like to be remembered as a kid that achieved more than I ever dreamed,” he said. “I have been very lucky in the life I have had the opportunity to live, I have lived unforgettable experiences because of tennis.
“I was just a kid that followed their dreams, worked as hard as possible to be where I am today. The way I’d like to be remembered most is as a good person from a small village in Mallorca.”
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