Rafael Nadal officially played his final tennis match at the Davis Cup on Tuesday and it was an emotional farewell for the sports world. His legendary 23-year career included 22 Grand Slam victories, 92 ATP Tour titles, two Olympic gold medals, and an endearing swagger and personality that transcended the sport.
“The titles, the numbers are there. People probably know that,” Nadal said. “But the way I prefer to be remembered is as a good person from a small village in Mallorca… I just want to be remembered as a good person and as a child who followed his dreams and achieved more than I ever dreamed.”
Long-time rival and close friend Roger Federer had one of the most touching reactions as him wrote a heartfelt letter saying Nadal made him “reinvent” his game.
Novak Djokovic, the third member of the Big Three of this era, posted his own message to Nadal a month ago and Nadal even asked to stay a little longer. However, a more recent message came in a special video shared by the Davis Cup social media account.
“Your tenacity, your fighting spirit, the energy you brought with you, the power is something that will be studied and transmitted to many, many generations to come,” Djokovic said. “I am very honored and excited to be called your rival. The tennis world and the sports world will miss the incredible energy you brought to the court. There is so much to welcome, so much to celebrate.”
This video also included messages from other stars including Serena Williams.
“You inspired me to have so many victories, to keep going, to fight, to get better, to improve. Basically playing like you do,” Williams said. In her own post, she admitted that seeing Nadal withdrawing bothered her. She also wore his equipment.
World No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz, 21, who has established himself as the next Spanish tennis star, shared that Nadal was his inspiration.
Coco Gauff is American, but on Tuesday she loved another country. “Today I come from Spain,” she wrote.
Retired soccer superstar David Beckham sent Nadal a message that was partly in Spanish. “Hola, my friend Rafa,” he said. “Felicidades por tu carrera increible (Congratulations on your incredible career). Rafa, I wanted to send you my love and big congratulations for a great career. Thank you for so many incredible moments and memories as a tennis fan and everything you have done to inspire young people around the world.
Nike lit up a building next to the Eiffel Tower to highlight some of Nadal's greatest achievements.
The ATP Tour celebrated by releasing a video narrated by Carlos Moya, Nadal's coach.
Nadal won a record 14 French Open titles, so Roland Garros was also well represented.
Here are some more messages and reactions:
