Over the years, Djokovic wasn't the only rival who challenged Nadal and forged some of the greatest sporting rivalries
Picture Courtesy/Novak Djokovic's Twitter account
The legendary tennis duo Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic paid tribute to the 'King of Clay' Rafael Nadal after he decided to bring the curtains down on his career.
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Nadal will have his last dance from professional tennis at the end of the 2024 season. The 38-year-old, who has been dealing with a fair share of injuries, will make his last appearance at the Davis Cup Final, which will be started from Malaga from November 19-24.
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… pic.twitter.com/HO9kUkyccN
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) October 10, 2024
Djokovic took to X, to thank 'Spain's Raging Bull' for pushing him to his very limit in the rivalry that made fans experience goosebumps in their every single encounter.
"Thank you for pushing me to the very limit so many times in our rivalry that has impacted me the most as a player. Your passion for representing Spain has always been remarkable. I wish you best possible farewell in Malaga with Davis Cup team of Spain. I will be there in person to pay respect to your stellar career," Djokovic wrote on X.
Over the years, Djokovic wasn't the only rival who challenged Nadal and forged some of the greatest sporting rivalries.
The Switzerland sensation Roger Federer and Nadal's encounter kept spectators glued to the magic on the court.
Federer congratulated Nadal for his memorable career and posted a series of pictures of their encounters on Instagram.
Also Read: The clay court colossus: Rafael Nadal’s undisputed reign!
In a video posted on his official X handle, Nadal announced his decision to retire and said, "Hello everyone, I am here to let you know I am retiring from professional tennis. The reality is it has been some difficult years, these last two especially. I do not think I have been able to play without limitations."
"It is obviously a difficult decision, one that has taken me some time to make, but in this life, everything has a beginning and an end, and I think it is the appropriate time to put an end to a career that has been long and much more successful than I could have ever imagined," he added.
A 92-time tour-level champion, including 22 grand slam titles, spent 209 weeks at number one in the ATP Rankings.
Nadal has been one of the greatest players to have played the sport and a part of the 'Big Three' of modern tennis along with Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic. Nadal has won a record 14 French Open crowns, which still remains an unmatched feat to this day.
Nadal's illustrious career will conclude at the home soil of Malaga, where he will be playing for the Spanish Davis Cup, which includes the young sensation, Carlos Alcaraz. The host nation will be playing its quarterfinal tie against the Netherlands on November 19.
Nadal, who also has a 12-7 win-loss record this year, thanked his ATP Tour rivals, his team and family (including uncle and former coach Toni Nadal). Despite not being able to compete at top level consistently for the past two seasons, his passion and dedication to the sport never fell. He also said that his son, Rafael has kept him playing for so long.
"To come home and see how my son is growing every day has been a force that has really kept me alive and with the necessary energy to continue," said the Spaniard.
"Finally, you, the fans. I cannot thank you enough for what you have made me feel. You have given me the energy I have needed at every moment."
"Really, everything I have experienced has been a dream come true. I leave with the absolute peace of mind of having given my best, of having made an effort in every way. I can only end by saying a thousand thanks to all and see you soon," he concluded.
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