“I hoped this day would never come”: Federer pays tribute to retiring Nadal | Rafael Nadal

“Legend,” “role model,” “inspiration,” “friend”: Rafael Nadal's announcement that he will retire after next month's Davis Cup finals sparked widespread affection across the sporting world and beyond.

Nadal, one of the greatest tennis players of all time who has won 22 Grand Slam titles and spent 209 weeks as world No. 1, posted a video on multiple social media platforms Thursday morning in which he revealed the “difficult decision.” to end his career career.

Roger Federer, whom Nadal considered his biggest rival, said he “always hoped this day would never come”, Carlos Alcaraz said he made him want to become a tennis player, and footballers Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappé described him as a role model for everyone.

“What a career, Rafa!” Federer wrote on Nadal's Instagram in response to the 38-year-old's video outlining his retirement plans, just over two years after Federer's own retirement. “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 was an absolute honor.”

Former world No. 1 Andy Roddick was one of the first to witness Nadal's talent first-hand when he was beaten by the then 18-year-old in the 2004 Davis Cup final, saying: “I knew that Tennis soil in great danger was problem.”

Nick Kyrgios, who had an occasionally turbulent on-court relationship with Nadal, wrote on X: “Damn. I had nightmares that woke me up because of Rafa. I'll miss her. This was someone I always prepared for. He was a motivation – an inspiration, I guess. Shit – it’s true – people get the best of you. You were one of those people. Damned.”

The current world number 1, Jannik Sinner, emphasized his affection for Nadal. “I was very lucky to meet him… and he is an incredible person,” he said in Shanghai. “Of course, the player, we all saw how good he was and what lessons he taught us young players, how to behave on the pitch, how to deal with situations on the pitch, with difficult situations.” And at the same time Stay humble, don’t change with success, choose the right people around you and have a great family.”

Carlos Alcaraz, Nadal's Davis Cup teammate and partner at this summer's Olympics, said he was shocked when he heard the news. “Honestly, I couldn’t believe it when I saw it,” he said in Shanghai. “It was difficult to accept that. I was a little shocked. It's a really difficult thing, a really difficult message for everyone and even more difficult for me. He has been my idol since I started playing tennis. I look up at him. Thanks to him, I really wanted to become a professional tennis player. In some ways it will be difficult for us to lose him, so I will try to enjoy it as much as possible when he plays.”

Nadal, a Real Madrid fan, will no doubt have been touched by the reaction of some Galacticospast and present. “What an incredible career you have had,” wrote Cristiano Ronaldo. “Your dedication, passion and incredible talent have inspired millions of people around the world. It was an honor to witness your journey and to call you a friend.” Vinicius Jr. simply described him as a “legend” and said: “You were a role model for everyone” and Mbappé said: “Congratulations on yours Career, Rafa, a role model as a player and person.” Enjoy your retirement. You will always be a legend.” Former Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos wrote: “What a role model as a player and especially as a person.”

The President of the Balearic Islands, Marga Prohens, promised a worthy honor and other politicians expressed warm words. Carlos Moya said it had been an honor to share Nadal's journey as a coach and friend, while Roland-Garros, where he won a record 14 times, perhaps summed things up best: “King – thanks for everything, Rafa.” it continues X.