38-year-old Rafael Nadal, the king of red gravel (clay court), has said goodbye to tennis. The 22-time Grand Slam winner will take to the court for the last time for Spain in the Davis Cup final to be held in Málaga next month. There were speculations about the retirement of Nadal, who was suffering from a hip injury since last year, since the beginning of the year, on which this great player put an end to it on Thursday. He announced his retirement from the game in a video released on social media. Now two members of the Big Three club, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, have retired from tennis.
Now the only active player left in this club is Novak Djokovic. Nadal said, 'He is excited that his last tournament will be the Davis Cup final, where he will represent his country.' On Nadal's retirement, many veterans have congratulated him for his brilliant career. These include Federer to Djokovic and veteran football player Cristiano Ronaldo. All of them praised Nadal's greatness on social media and wished him good luck for the future.
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Djokovic's reaction
Novak Djokovic wrote, 'Rafa, one post is not enough to express my respect for you and what you have done for our game. You inspired millions of children to play tennis. In my view, this is the greatest achievement anyone could wish for. Your tenacity, dedication, and fighting spirit will be taught for decades. Your legacy will live forever.
Federer-Ronaldo reaction
Roger Federer wrote, 'What an amazing career Rafa, I always thought this day would never come. Congratulations on unforgettable memories and incredible achievements. Ronaldo wrote, 'Your dedication, passion and incredible talent has inspired millions of people around the world. It's an honor to witness your career and call you a friend.
Sinner-Alcaraz reaction
Current world number one men's tennis player Yannick Sinner wrote, '14 thanks for the millions of memories – a response from Roland Garros, where Nadal won 14 French Opens. He has taught the youngsters many things, how to behave on the court, stay humble, not change with success. Young Spanish tennis player Carlos Alcaraz wrote, 'When I was a child, I saw you playing on TV and dreamed that one day I would become a tennis player who would have the honor of representing Spain in the Olympics at Roland Garros with you. . Thank you for being an example at every level.
Was struggling with fitness for two years
In the last 20 years, tennis lovers had become used to Federer, Nadal and Djokovic. When Nadal got injured in the Australian Open last year, no one thought that he would not be able to make a strong comeback. He did not play in the 2023 French Open due to injury, but when he lost to Alexander Zverev in the first round of the French Open this year, everyone realized that he would soon say goodbye to the tennis court. He was not completely fit. He last played in the Paris Olympics. Where he lost to Djokovic in singles. In doubles he played with Alcaraz. Announcing his retirement, Nadal said everything he achieved was a dream come true. Nadal also thanked Federer and Djokovic, his tough rivals on the tennis court. Nadal said, I have lived a long time with both of them and have lived moments which I will remember all my life.
