Rafael Nadal retires: 'Another tough one', Sporting fraternity reacts to Spaniard's retirement from tennis

Reactions to 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal announcing on Thursday that he will retire from tennis after next month’s Davis Cup finals:

—“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 honor!” — tennis great and long-time rival Roger Federer.

—“14 thanks for the millions of memories.” — the X account of Roland Garros, where Nadal won his record 14 French Open championships.

More from Tennis

Why Novak Djokovic’s tennis calendar is under scrutiny as experts fear he could be left behind Federer India's historic tennis win: Sumit Nagal beats Henry Bernet as India reach Davis Cup qualifiers for first time

14 thanks for the millions of memories 🧡 pic.twitter.com/P1CPPSJfVC

— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) October 10, 2024

—“I was very lucky to get to know him also as a person, and he’s an unbelievable person … The lessons he taught us young players … how to behave on court, how to handle situations on the court … to stay humble, not changing with the success." — top-ranked tennis player Jannik Sinner.

Thank you @RafaelNadal for everything you have given to the sport. To have the chance to spend a few weeks training with you a few years ago is something I’ll never forget. To watch you work as an athlete but also get to know you as a person off the court was even more special.… pic.twitter.com/Obyrk5V5mh

— Jannik Sinner (@janniksin) October 10, 2024

—“One last dance.” — the X account of the Davis Cup, the tournament at which Nadal will end his career.

One last dance 💚

Rafael Nadal will retire after playing the Final 8 in Malaga in November.#DavisCup pic.twitter.com/75FdqOBWDc

— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) October 10, 2024

—“Rafa, what an amazing career you had! Your dedication, passion and incredible talent have inspired millions of people all over the world. It has been an honor to bear witness to your career and to be able to call you a friend. Congratulations on an amazing career! Enjoy your retirement!” — Portugal football great Cristiano Ronaldo.

—“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 Rafael Nadal.” — Australian tennis great Rod Laver on X.

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 @RafaelNadal 🚀 pic.twitter.com/nR9ddVnnvV

— Rod Laver (@rodlaver) October 10, 2024

—“Thank you for everything Rafa, it’s been nothing short of incredible.” — the ATP tour on X.

Gracias Rafa, #RafaSiempre ❤️ pic.twitter.com/m7NXorFaNx

— ATP Tour (@atptour) October 10, 2024

—“Nope, I/we refuse this application to retire.” — British tennis player Katie Boulter on X.

Nope, I/we refuse this application to retire https://t.co/QuDOfuZ65I

— Katie Boulter (@katiecboulter) October 10, 2024

—“Congratulations on your spectacular career and the legacy you leave behind.” — Spain great Andrés Iniesta, who announced his retirement from football on Tuesday.

—“Rafa don’t retire I wanna play you 1 last time.” — Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios 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. Fuck - it’s true- people do bring the best out of you. You were one of those people 🙏🏽 damn…..

— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) October 10, 2024

—“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.” — Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez in a statement.