Rafa Nadal announced on Thursday that the final of the Davis Cup will be his last tournament, a special stage to "close the circle" of a brilliant career that has led him to conquer 22 Grand Slams.
In an emotional video, the best Spanish tennis player in history acknowledged that injuries have made the last two years difficult. "It is a decision that is obviously difficult, it has taken me time to make it, but in this life everything has a beginning and an end."
Quickly, social media has been filled with comments about the farewell of the legend. And numerous athletes have wanted to bid him farewell and thank him for his dedication and successes. Roger Federer, Andrés Iniesta, Marc Márquez, Cristiano Ronaldo, or Real Madrid have praised Rafa Nadal's career.
Calderón: "A legend in every sense"
José Manuel Calderón, owner of eight medals with the Spanish basketball team, also praised Nadal: "A thousand thanks to you, for being an example. It has been a pleasure to watch you play all these years and share some moments with you. A legend in every sense."
Roberto Bautista: "Let's go for the best ending"
The Castellon-born tennis player Roberto Bautista Agut, who was the hero of the last Davis Cup won by Spain by winning the first point of the final against Canada hours after losing his father and who will be in Málaga this November, stated on Thursday that they are "going for the best ending" possible for Rafa Nadal's career.
Bautista and Nadal won the two points of that final, in which Spain won its sixth trophy. "A thousand thanks to you, Rafa! Thank you for everything. Congratulations on such a brilliant career! Let's go for the best ending in Málaga," said Bautista Agut, number 57 in the world rankings and who reached number 9 precisely in 2019.
Real Madrid: "One of the greatest legends in sports"
Real Madrid has released a statement on its website: "Facing Rafa Nadal's announcement of his retirement from tennis as a professional player after the Davis Cup he will play with Spain in November 2024, Real Madrid C. F., its president, and its Board of Directors want to show their admiration and affection for one of the greatest legends in Spanish and world sports of all time. For us and for all Madridismo, it is and will always be a pride that a myth like Rafa Nadal represents our club as an honorary member of Real Madrid."
Cristiano: "It has been an honor to be your friend"
Cristiano Ronaldo, winner of five Ballon d'Or awards, highlighted the "incredible career" of the Spaniard and the honor of being friends. "Rafa, what an incredible career you have had! Your dedication, passion, and incredible talent have inspired millions of people around the world. It has been an honor to witness your journey and to be able to call you a friend. Congratulations on an amazing career and enjoy your retirement," replied the former Real Madrid player to the post by the Balearic tennis player on his Instagram account.
Roger Federer: "I always hoped this day would never come"
Roger Federer has responded to Rafael Nadal's farewell announcement. "What a career, Rafa! It has been a great honor. I always hoped this day would never come. Thank you for the unforgettable memories and all your incredible performances in the sport we cherish the most," wrote the Swiss, winner of 20 Grand Slam titles and retired for two years.
Kroos: "An example as a player and as a person"
Players and former players of Real Madrid, a team he is a big fan of, have wanted to bid farewell to Nadal. "You have been an example as an athlete and an eternal reference," wrote Thibaut Courtois.
"What an example as a player and most importantly as a person! See you soon Rafa," posted the retired Toni Kroos
Feijóo: "Thank you for making us so happy"
The leader of the PP, Alberto Núñez Feijóo, thanked Rafa Nadal for "making us all so happy," while former Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy thanked him "for so many good moments you have given us"
Almeida: "Your success has been Spain's"
The Mayor of Madrid, José Luis Martínez Almeida, also bid farewell to Rafa Nadal: "Your success has been Spain's, Rafa Nadal. Great in tennis, great as a human being. THANK YOU for everything you have given us"
Márquez: "A role model for all"
Marc Márquez, owner of eight motorcycle world titles, six of them in MotoGP, highlighted Nadal as "a role model for all."
Wimbledon: "Always a champion"
The Wimbledon tournament, which he won twice (2008 and 2010), also paid tribute to Nadal: "Forever a champion."
Teresa Perales: "You will always be a role model"
"Thank you, Rafa Nadal, for everything you have made us experience and feel over all these years. You are and will always be a great role model. Humble, brave, consistent, strong, approachable, part of our lives. That's how we have felt you and always will," dedicated Teresa Perales, the Spanish athlete who has won 28 medals at the Paralympic Games.
Roland Garros: "14 thanks for the millions of memories"
Roland Garros, his favorite tournament, which he won 14 times, bid farewell to its king on social media. "14 thanks for the millions of memories"
Throughout his career, Nadal has not only been marked by successes but also by injuries, especially in recent years, where he has barely been able to compete. "The reality is that these have been difficult years, especially the last two. I have not been able to play without limitations," the Mallorcan stated in his farewell video.
All this has led to his retirement: "It is a decision that is obviously difficult, it has taken me time to make it."
Rafael Nadal has chosen the Davis Cup final in Málaga as the stage for his definitive retirement. "I am very excited that my last tournament will be the Davis Cup final, representing my country. It is closing the circle," stated the Mallorcan, regarding the tournament that will take place from November 19 to 24.
Throughout his career, Nadal has won the Davis Cup five times, the first of them in 2004, before conquering any Grand Slam.