Reactions to 22-time Grand Slam champion announcing Thursday that he will retire from tennis after next month’s Davis Cup finals. (More Tennis News)
“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!” — tennis great and long-time rival Roger Federer.
“14 thanks for the millions of memories.” — the X account of Roland Garros, where Nada✨l won his record 14 French Open championships.
“I was very lucky to get to know him also as a person, and he’s an unbelievable person ... The lessons he taught us young players … how to behave on court, how to handle situations on t𒊎he court … to stay humble, not changing with the success.” — top-ranked tennis player Jannik Sinner.
“One last dance.” — the X account🦄 of the Davis Cup, the tournament at which Nadal will end his career.
“As I child I watched you on television and dreamed that I would one day be the tennis player who had the immense pleasure of playing by your side at Roland Garros representing Spain in the Olympics! Many thanks for being an example at every level. Your legacy won’t be matched.” — Spanish tennis player Carlos Alcaraz on X.
“Rafa, what an amazing career you had! Your dedication, passion and incredible talent have inspired millions of people all over the world. It has been an honor to bear witness to your career and to be able to call you a friend. Congratulations on an amazing career! Enjoy your retirement!” — Portugal football great Cristiano Ronaldo.
“Another tough one. Retirement is inevitable but I’m going to miss wa🌳tching this bloke fighting for 𝓰every point like no other. A truly remarkable human, best wishes Rafael Nadal.” — Australian tennis great Rod Laver on X.
“Thank you for everything Rafa, it’s been nothing short of incredible.” — the ATP tour on X.
“Nope, I/we refu🐼se this application to retire.” — British 🐼tennis player Katie Boulter on X.
“Congratulations on your spectacular career and the legacy you leave behind.” — Spain great Andrés Iniesta🀅, who announced his re✅tirement from soccer on Tuesday.
“Rafa don🤡’t retire I wanna play you 1 last time.” — Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios on X.
“Rafa Nadal is also a source of pride for our country and is an example of the core values of sport, with which he h🔥as forged his entire extraordinary career.” — Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez in a state🌞ment.
