Novak Djokovic also said goodbye to Rafa Nadal through his social networks on the day the Spanish tennis player announced his retirement from professional sport. The Serbian tennis player wrote an emotional message alongside a photo together on a plane.
“Rafa, a single post is not enough to express the respect I feel for you and for what you have done for our sport. You have inspired millions of children to start playing tennis and I think that is probably the greatest achievement anyone could hope for. Your tenacity, dedication and fighting spirit will be taught for decades to come. Your legacy will live forever. Only you know what you had to endure to become an icon of tennis and sport in general,” he wrote. Djokovic on their social networks.
And with Roger Federarthe Serbian tennis player was one of the great rivals of Rafa Nadal over the last few years. A tennis player who has also become a legend and who honors the sport with this type of recognition to one of the great athletes he fought against on the court for so many years.
Rafa, a single 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 greatest achievement anyone could wish for. Your tenacity, your dedication, your fighting spirit… pic.twitter.com/HO9kUkyccN
– Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) October 10, 2024
Roger Federer did not hesitate to use social networks to publish an iconic image like that of Nadal and the Swiss crying together in the London Laver Cup which was held in 2022. The Swiss tennis player responded on Instagram to the message he published Nadal: “What a race, Rafa! I always hoped this day would never come. Thank you for the unforgettable memories and all your incredible achievements in the sport we love. It has been an absolute honor!
Rafa Nadalwinner of 22 Grand Slamannounced this Thursday that he would retire from professional tennis at the age of 38 after the dispute with Spain in the final of the Davis Cupwhich will be held in Malaga from November 19 to 24.
“I am retiring from professional tennis. It’s been a difficult two years, the last two in which I haven’t been able to play without limits. “It’s a difficult decision and it’s taken me a while to make it, but in this life everything has a beginning and an end, and it’s the right time to end a long and much more successful career that I could never imagine,” Nadal said in a video shared on his social networks.
The Spaniard will leave him after the Davis Cup. “I am very happy that my last tournament will be the Davis Cup final and representing my country is coming full circle, since one of my first joys was the final in Seville in 2004,” he said. he admitted.
“I feel super lucky for everything I’ve been able to experience. I want to thank the entire tennis industry, all the people who make up this sport, my teammates for so many years, especially my great rivals. “I spent many hours with them and I experienced many moments that I will remember for the rest of my life,” admitted Nadal very moved in his words.
