When someone like tennis legend Rafael Nadal resigns, nice words are expected. This is what Roger Federer and other sports stars said about it:
Roger Federer
Roger Federer (20-time winner of Grand Slam tournaments): “What a career, Rafa! It was a great honor for me. I always wished that this day would never come. Thank you for the unforgettable memories and all your incredible achievements in the sport we all love.”
Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer celebrate their victory at the Laver Cup tennis tournament in Prague 2017.Image: keystone
Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal greet each other before a match at the Olympic Games in Paris 2024. Image: keystone
Novak Djokovic (Nadal’s second big rival next to Federer): «Rafa, a single message is not enough to express the respect I have for you and for what you have done for our sport. You’ve inspired millions of kids to play tennis and I think that’s probably the greatest achievement anyone could ask for. …Thank you for pushing me to my limits so many times in our rivalry, which has influenced me the most as a player. Your passion for representing Spain has always been remarkable. I wish you the best farewell to Malaga in the Davis Cup. I will be there in person to pay tribute to your brilliant career.”
Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo (five-time world footballer): «Rafa, you have had an incredible career! Your dedication, passion and incredible talent have inspired millions of people around the world. It was an honor to share your journey and call you a friend – congratulations on your incredible career and enjoy your retirement!”
Cristiano Ronaldo at a game between the Portuguese national team and Scotland in Lisbon 2024. Image: keystone
Jannik Sinner
Jannik Sinner at a match at the Shanghai Masters in China 2024. Image: keystone
Jannik Sinner (current number 1 in tennis): “You are an incredible person. You showed us how we should behave on the pitch and how we should deal with situations. You also taught us to stay humble and not change with success. We were all very lucky to get to know you and learn from you.”
Boris Becker
Boris Becker (Germany’s tennis star): “Nadal has made the tennis world a better place.”
Boris Becker (center) at a match between Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal at the French Open in Paris 2014. Image: EPA/EPA
Kylian Mbappé
For the French football player Kylian Mbappé, Rafael Nadal will always remain a legend.Image: imago
Kylian Mbappé (captain of the French national football team): «Congratulations on your career Rafa, you are a role model as a player and as a person. Enjoy your retirement, you will always be a legend.”
Andres Iniesta
Andres Iniesta (World and European champion with the Spanish national football team): “Congratulations on your extraordinary career and the legacy you have left behind.”
The Spanish footballer Andres Iniesta when he announced his retirement in Barcelona in October this year.Image: keystone
Florentino Perez
Rafael Nadal with Florentino Perez in 2013. Image: imago
Florentino Perez (President of Nadal’s favorite club Real Madrid): “Rafa Nadal is a pride for our country and an example of the fundamental values of sport with which he has shaped his entire extraordinary career.”
Coco Gauff
Coco Gauff (US Open winner 2023): “You are wonderful! It was incredible to see and learn from your greatness and work ethic. I wish you nothing but the best in your next chapter.”
Coco Gauff from the USA poses with the trophy after winning the China Open in Beijing in October this year.Image: keystone
Nick Kyrgios
The Australian Nick Kyrgios during a match against Rafael Nadal at the Australian Open in Melbourne 2020.Image: EPA
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