A career closes and a legend is born. November 19, 2024 will be a date remembered forever: Rafa Nadal says goodbye to professional tennis. His career supports him as one of the best athletes in history and the impact of his retirement has been worldwide. After Spain’s defeat against the Netherlands (1-2), a tribute was paid to him at the Martín Carpena in Málaga along with more than 10,000 people. In one of the moments of the event, a video was projected in which numerous sports and tennis figures wanted to send a message of recognition to the 38-year-old Balearic tennis player.
Among the tennis players appeared their two great rivals and also friends, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic. Legends such as Serena Williams, Andy Murray, Juan Martín Del Potro and Conchita Martínez also appeared. The other stars that appeared are related to football, such as the recent Ballon d’Or winner, Rodrigo Hernández; Raúl González, David Beckham, Andrés Iniesta and Iker Casillas.
In addition to the emotional letter he published before the start of the Davis Cup, Federer wanted to congratulate Rafa Nadal on his career: “It has been a privilege to play with you, but especially against you. I wish you all the best for what lies ahead with your formidable family.” The Swiss pointed to the legendary 2008 Wimbledon final, in which the Manacorí dethroned him.
For his part, Djokovic, the greatest Grand Slam winner in history, praised the “tenacity and fighting spirit” of the Spaniard, something that in his opinion will be a “source of inspiration for many generations”: “It has been an honor to be your rival, you will be missed.” Murray and Del Potro spoke in similar terms, thanking him for the moments he has starred in.
“Your tenacity and fighting spirit are a source of inspiration for future generations.”
Serena Williams also pointed out that Nadal has been an inspiration for her career: “You have helped me have many victories, to fight, to improve and to try to play like you.” Conchita Martínez congratulated him on his vast record of achievements and assured that it has been a “privilege” to see him grow as a person and as a tennis player.
In the football sphere, Rodri indicated that he can’t think of “anyone better who represents the values of sport”: “Thank you for flooding our hearts with your tennis and your comebacks.” For Raúl González, the tennis player from Manaco is “the best athlete in history”: “Your values both on and off the court have inspired me in my career and in my life. Your legacy will be eternal.” These words were shared by Andrés Iniesta and David Beckham, who highlighted Nadal’s “incredible” career.
Shortly after the tribute ceremony, the current number three in the ATP ranking, Carlos Alcaraz, said goodbye to the Manacorí through the social networks: “There will be many more Davises, there is only one Rafa. Thanks to you I have become a professional tennis player. It has been fortunate to be able to live your career as a child for whom you were an idol and then as another teammate. “The best possible ambassador who leaves an eternal legacy.”
There will be many more Davis, there is only one Rafa. Thanks to you I have become a professional tennis player. “The best possible ambassador who leaves an eternal legacy”
In subsequent statements, Alcaraz added that “for the young people who come from behind us, who have many years ahead of us, it has been fortunate to live the stage of Rafa and Roger Federer, that stage of the three gladiators with Djokovic, three players who are not of this planet.” In this sense, he pointed out that he will try to give his best level: “If I win half of what he has won I will leave happy.”
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