When a legend like Rafael Nadal announces his retirement, the world of sport cannot remain indifferent. It was not a surprising decision that the 22-time Grand Slam champion, who gave everything to this sport and could no longer continue to play at a level too far from what he was used to.
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The former world number 1 has tried his best to be competitive again and played a series of tournaments this year, without achieving results worthy of its fame. Not even his beloved red clay helped him, given the premature elimination at both the French Open and the Paris Olympics.
After the disappointment at the Paris Olympics, the Spanish legend decided to skip both the US Open and the Laver Cup, letting fans know that the announcement of the retirement was imminent. The Davis Cup Finals - scheduled in Malaga in November - will be the stage for the last show of an endless champion.
Prior to this event, the legend from Manacor will play the 'Six Kings Slam' in Saudi Arabia in the middle of this month. The former world number 1 is already 'qualified' for the semi-finals and will face the winner of the match between Carlos Alcaraz and Holger Rune. Many tennis players and athletes from other sports have wanted to send messages to Rafa in the last few hours to let him understand how great his impact has been.
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Many tributes
Speaking with Eurosport, Nicolas Mahut praised the Spaniard: We were prepared but despite that but for me who am a big fan and admirer of Nadal, it was a bit difficult, especially when you review his most beautiful points. Its going to be difficult even if we anticipated the post-Nadal. We expected it, its a half surprise. We all hoped that he would go on for a year to say goodbye to Roland Garros. I think its not really his decision, but his body made the decision for him. Its complicated. The end of Rafa was a little shock especially since it followed the announcement of Richard, so we had two news in one day. It was not a very good day.
The news of Nadals retirement at the end of the year truly represents the end of an era, following the previous retirements of Roger Federer in 2022 and Andy Murray this summer. Novak Djokovic will be the only Fab Four still active in 2025 and will try to win at least one more Grand Slam title.
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The Big 3 have also been an example for new generations of tennis players, who are inspired by them and try to follow in their footsteps. Two young champions like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner seem to be the best equipped to create a new epic rivalry, but it is not excluded that some other young talent will emerge in the coming years.
The end of an era
In a long interview with Eurosport, ATP legend Boris Becker also paid tribute to Rafa: When I heard it, it was a punch in the gut. I think the decision is the right one. What hasnt Rafael Nadal won? He was world No 1 for 209 weeks. He finished the year as No 1 five times.
Among the 22 Grand Slam titles were a whopping 14 Roland Garros titles. He also won every other Grand Slam at least twice. There are no real numbers. Then, of course, you have to look at his opponents. Federer is one of them, Djokovic is one of them, so the end of the Big Three is near.
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I personally got to know Rafael Nadal many decades ago when he was fourteen or fifteen. His uncle Toni introduced him to me. Back then, Rafa also played with both hands on his forehand. What did I think of his young nephew? I was always blown away, even then. What really has to be emphasised is what sets him apart: his uncompromising attitude, his ambition, his motivation, his willingness to fight.
The 14-time French Open champion had imagined a different end, perhaps winning another Roland Garros, but his body has not allowed him to express himself at his best level in the last two years. 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic sent a beautiful message to his greatest rival on social media: 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 thats probably the greatest achievement anyone can wish for. Your tenacity, dedication, fighting spirit is going to be taught for decades.
