After Rafa Nadal announced his retirement from professional tennis, there were two particularly anticipated messages.
One, that of his friend and great rival Roger Federerit only took a few minutes after the manacorí was published.
A few hours later, with somewhat calmer news, it was the turn of the other member of the ‘Big 3’, Novak Djokovic.
The Serbian made a post on social media in which he thanked Nadal for his career and his legacy, accompanying the message with numerous unpublished photos.
“Rafa, one message is not enough to express the respect I have for you and what you have done for our sport. You have inspired millions of children to start playing tennis and I think that is probably the case.” the greatest success one could wish for“, begins the only player with more Grand Slams than Rafa.
“Your tenacity, your dedication and your fighting spirit will be taught for decades. Your legacy will live forever. Only you know what you had to endure to become an icon of tennis and sport in general,” adds “Nole”.
Without half measures, Djokovic refers to him as his great rival: “Thank you for pushing me to the limit so many times in our rivalry that This is what marked me the most as a player“.
Finally, the Balkanist closes his message by assuring that he will be present at the Davis Cup final in Malaga to see Nadal’s farewell in the first person.
“Your passion for representing Spain has always been remarkable. I wish you the best possible farewell to Malaga with the Spanish Davis Cup team. I will be there in person to pay tribute to your brilliant career“said the Serb.
