The tennis world has offered a fond salute to Rafael Nadal following his retirement announcement, with even old foe Nick Kyrgios begging him not leave the stage he’s graced so dazzlingly for so long.
Australian tennis stars of different generations were among those saluting the great Spaniard after Nadal declared on Thursday he would be retiring from the game after the Davis Cup finals in November.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Rafael Nadal announces retirement.
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Rod Laver hailed the 38-year-old, who won two of his 22 grand slam titles in the Melbourne arena named after the great Aussie, as a “truly remarkable human”.
“Another tough one. Retirement is inevitable but I’m going to miss watching this bloke fighting for every point like no other,” said Laver on X.
Kyrgios had some tremendous matches as well as celebrated run-ins with Nadal, stretching back to their first clash at Wimbledon 10 years ago when the kid from Canberra first made an international name for himself with a stunning victory.
Subsequently, they had an infamous Mexico Open bust-up in 2019 when Kyrgios complained about Nadal taking too long between serves and the Spaniard infuriated the Australian afterwards by saying he “lacks respect for the public, the rival and towards himself.”
But though Kyrgios also smashed the ball straight at Nadal’s chest in another Wimbledon clash in 2019 and wouldn’t apologise later, the underlying respect was obvious when the Aussie talked of his regret in 2022 that the Spaniard had to pull out injured before their Wimbledon semi-final.
“Rafa don’t retire I wanna play you 1 last time,” Kyrgios, who lost six of their nine matches, wrote on X.
“Damn. I’ve had nightmares that have woke me up about Rafa. I’m gonna miss them. This was someone that I used to prepare for. He was a motivation – I guess an inspiration. F*** – it’s true – people do bring the best out of you. You were one of those people.”
“We had our differences but you were one hell of a warrior. Best wishes and good luck with whatever comes next.”
Nadal’s great rival Roger Federer led the tributes, saying: “What a career, Rafa! 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’s been an absolute honour!”
Carlos Alcaraz, with whom Nadal hopes to win the Davis Cup triumph next month, added: “From the child who watched you on TV and dreamed of becoming a tennis player to the one who had the immense gift of playing alongside you at Roland Garros representing Spain in the Olympic Games!
“Thank you very much for being an example at all levels, your legacy is unrepeatable.”
In Shanghai, world No.1 Jannik Sinner said: “It’s tough news for all the tennis world, and not only the tennis world. He’s an unbelievable person.”
But the plaudits came from beyond tennis. “Rafa, what an incredible race you’ve had!” said soccer great Cristiano Ronaldo.
“Your dedication, passion and incredible talent have inspired millions around the world. It has been an honour to witness your journey and to be able to call you a friend. Congrats on an amazing career! Enjoy your retirement!”