:Rafa Nadal on Thursday announced that he would be retiring from professional tennis after the Davis Cup final, with his great rival Roger Federer leading the tributes to the Spaniard.
Following are quotes and reactions to his announcement.
TWENTY-TIMES GRAND SLAM CHAMPION ROGER FEDERER
“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!”
TWENTY FOUR-TIMES GRAND SLAM CHAMPION NOVAK DJOKOVIC
“Rafa, one post is not enough to express the respect I have for you and what you have done for our sport. You have inspired millions of children to start playing tennis and I think that’s probably greatest achievement anyone can wish for.
“Your tenacity, dedication, fighting spirit is going to be taught for decades. Your legacy will live forever. Only you know what you had to endure to become icon of tennis and sport in general.
“Thank you for pushing me to the very limit so many times in our rivalry that has impacted me the most as a player…”
WORLD NUMBER TWO CARLOS ALCARAZ
“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.
“I’ve enjoyed you so much and will miss you so much when you quit after Davis, Rafa!”
ELEVEN-TIMES GRAND SLAM CHAMPION ROD LAVER
“Another tough one. Retirement is inevitable but I’m going to miss watching this bloke fighting for every point like no other. A truly remarkable human, best wishes.”
WORLD NUMBER ONE JANNIK SINNER
“It’s tough news for, I think, all the tennis world, and not only the tennis world. What I can say, I was very lucky to get to know him also, like, you know, person’s-wise, and he’s an unbelievable person.
“… we all saw how good he has been as a player, the lessons he taught us, the young players, how to behave on the court, how to handle situations on the court, tough situations. He gave to all of us a lot of emotions when we saw him playing.
“And also to stay humble in the same time, not changing with the success, choosing the right people around him, having a great family.
“… But in another way everything has a beginning, and it has a start, and also an ending. So, yeah, only he knows how he feels, so yeah, it’s a tough one.”
FORMER WIMBLEDON RUNNER-UP NICK KYRGIOS
“Rafa don’t retire I wanna play you one last time.
“We had our differences but you were one hell of a warrior. Best wishes and good luck with whatever comes next.”
FORMER U.S. OPEN CHAMPION COCO GAUFF
“You are amazing! It’s been so incredible to witness your greatness and work ethic and be able to learn from it. Wishing you all the best in the next chapter.”
FORMER WORLD NUMBER TWO ONS JABEUR
“Thank you Rafa for inspiring me and all of us. You will be missed.”
FORMER U.S. OPEN CHAMPION ANDY RODDICK
“Great Rafa. Thanks for all the memories. Thanks my friend”
2024 OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALLIST ZHENG QINWEN
“He’s a leader of a generation… he inspires a lot to me. Even right now, when I am at a difficult moment, I think how strong Rafa Nadal’s mentality is in tennis… But for every legend, there comes a time to retire.”
SPANISH TENNIS PLAYER FELICIANO LOPEZ
“His mindset. Mentally he is the strongest player I’ve ever seen. I don’t think we’ve seen anyone like him. His resilience and ability to overcome every situation, so many things that make him the strongest player mentally ever.”
INTERNATIONAL TENNIS FEDERATION PRESIDENT DAVID HAGGERTY
“… His individual record speaks for itself, but it was when he had his nation’s flag on his chest that we saw him at his absolute best.
“The raw passion he showed in leading Spain to four Davis Cup titles will live long in the memory, and has inspired a generation of youngsters across the world to pick up a racket.”
INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEE PRESIDENT THOMAS BACH
“You are a legend. A true Olympian and a great champion who knows that sport can help us create a better world. I am sure that whatever you do, you will give it your best, as you have always done. Hats off to you, congratulations!”
PORTUGAL CAPTAIN CRISTIANO RONALDO
“Rafa, what an incredible race you’ve had! 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!”
FRANCE CAPTAIN KYLIAN MBAPPE
“Congratulations on your career Rafa, an example as a player and person. Enjoy your retirement. You will always be a legend.”
REAL MADRID PRESIDENT FLORENTINO PEREZ
“Rafa Nadal is also a source of pride for our country and is an example of the core values of sport, with which he has forged his entire extraordinary career.”
SPAIN FOOTBALL
“One of our own and one of the greatest athletes our country has ever produced is retiring. Thank you Rafa, for your titles, for your values and for being the voice of our last Euro. Please let us shout it one more time. Vamos, Rafa!”
SIX-TIMES MOTOGP CHAMPION MARC MARQUEZ
“Thank you Rafa for being a reference for all of us!”
(Compiled by Suramya Kaushik and Pearl Josephine Nazare in Bengaluru)
