Rafael Nadal is causing a stir in the tennis scene with his announced retirement. His friend Roger Federer also reacts to the news.
The news of superstar Rafael Nadal’s resignation pushed everything else in the tennis world into the background – including the ATP tournament that was taking place at the same time in Shanghai.
You can also see this in the reactions that came immediately afterwards. Many tennis professionals also came forward immediately when they heard the news that Nadal would end his career after the Davis Cup final tournament at the end of November.
Tennis icon Roger Federer, who resigned in 2022 and always maintained an excellent relationship with Nadal despite all the sporting rivalry, didn’t miss the opportunity and wrote a personal message under the Spaniard’s farewell post on Instagram.
“What a career, Rafa! I always hoped that these days would never come. Thank you for the unforgettable moments and all your incredible achievements in the game we love. It was a great honor,” Federer wrote.
Many tennis stars react to Nadal’s resignation
In his video message, Nadal also specifically thanked his biggest rivals, Federer and Novak Djokovic. The Serb also responded by liking Nadal’s post.
German tennis icon Boris Becker also paid tribute to Nadal on his upcoming farewell to the tour. “Thank you very much, Rafa. You made the tennis world a better place,” Becker wrote on Instagram.
Star coach Darren Cahill, who currently looks after world number 1 Jannik Sinner, wrote the following post: “He had all the qualities of an athlete that you would want as a role model for your children. Kindness, respect, hard work, loyalty, generosity, faith and the willingness to fight for every single point. A role model for every generation and one of the greatest legends. Well done, Rafa.”
His protégé Sinner also spoke up: “Thank you Rafael Nadal for everything you have given to the sport. I will never forget that a few years ago I had the opportunity to train with you for a few weeks. Watching you not only as an athlete, but also getting to know you as a person off the field was something very special. A true legend of the sport who paved the way and taught so many of us how we should be as players and as people. We’ll miss you on tour!”
Other tennis stars also spoke up. This is what British number 1 Katie Boulter (world number 34) wrote down X: “No, I/we reject your request for resignation.”
“One of the biggest tennis idols is quitting. Nadal pushed his body beyond all limits, more than anyone else. A huge personality leaves the stage. I’m not shocked, but sad. But I’m happy and glad that I was able to compete against him more often,” said former German professional Philipp Kohlschreiber Sky at the end of Nadal’s career.
