Stefanos Tsitsipas didn't want to pay just an ordinary tribute to Rafael Nadal as the Greek in his style sent out a very deep message while reflecting on the Spaniard's upcoming retirement.
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On Thursday, the 22-time Grand Slam champion put an end to all the speculations regarding his tennis future - he confirmed that next month's Davis Cup Finals in Malaga will be his last stop. While the news itself wasn't surprising, it still came as a big shock and disappointment to the majority of the tennis community, from fans to players.
Since then, tributes have been pouring in from pretty much all sides as Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff are just some of the big names who had warm words for the Spanish tennis icon.
And Tsitsipas - who grew up looking up to Nadal before facing him nine times and playing him several times on the biggest stage - joined that list by paying a very beautiful tribute not only to the 38-year-old's greatness but also his personality.
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As I hung the poster of Rafael Nadal on my wall, it wasnt just a picture but a reminder that dreams can take flight. I spent countless nights dreaming of emulating his legacy, driven by his relentless spirit and unmatched passion for the game. Today, as he steps away from the court, I cant help but reflect on the surreal moment I faced him, a dream transformed into reality," Tsitsipas' tribute read.
"His journey taught me that greatness isnt just about victories; its about resilience, humility, and the courage to chase your dreams against all odds. Ultimately, Rafas journey inspires us to chase our dreams with tenacity, to embrace challenges with grace, and to always play with our hearts. Thank you for the memories, the lessons, and the pure joy youve brought to the sport @rafaelnadal.
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What happened in the Tsitsipas and Nadal matches?
In 2018, a 19-year-old Tsitsipas clashed against the Spaniard for the first time in the Barcelona final and got bounced 6-2 6-1. The Greek also picked up a two-set defeat in the 2018 Toronto Masters final and got the same fate in their 2019 Australian Open semifinal.
But then, he finally managed to get one over Nadal and it happened in Spain - on the Spaniard's favorite surface - as he beat the former world No. 1 in the 2019 Madrid Masters semifinal. After losing in their next three matches again, Tsitsipas earned his first Grand Slam win over the 22-time Major winner after completing a stunning comeback 3-6 2-6 7-6 (4) 6-4 7-5 in the 2021 Australian Open quarterfinal.
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In 2021 April, they clashed in a Barcelona final - and while the former world No. 3 put up a much bigger fight this time - it was again the home favorite who ended on the winning side 6-4 6-7 (6) 7-5.
At the time, no one could have predicted that it would be their last meeting. In the end, Nadal finished with a 7-2 head-to-head against Tsitsipas.
"I'm here to let you know that I am retiring from professional tennis. The reality is that it has been some difficult years, these last two especially. I don't 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's the appropriate time to put an end to a career that has been long and much more successful than I could have ever imagined. I am very excited that my last tournament will be the final of the Davis Cup and representing my country," the 38-year-old announced on Thursday.
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Tsitsipas had a special message for Nadal a month earlier as well
This past September in Berlin, the 26-year-old made his fourth Laver Cup appearance. In his return to the event that was co-founded by Roger Federer, the Greek recounted his debut at the tournament in 2019 and why it was so special to him.
I was able to admire them (Rafa and Roger) in a different way, on a different scale than I was before. And getting to meet them, getting to talk to them in a way that I dont usually do when Im on the regular tour. It brought a lot of emotions and a lot of great memories. I wasnt just watching any regular tennis there. I was witnessing legacy. I was observing how their body language is, what makes them such incredible athletes, and for me, it was just a learning experience," Tsitsipas told the Laver Cup website last month.
