The German tennis legend Boris Becker was one of many to weigh in on Rafael Nadal's farewell, after media, fans, players and former players praised the Spaniard for his huge contribution to the sport.
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Becker is convinced that Rafa's decision is the right one, during an interview with Eurosport: "I think the decision is right, what hasn't Rafael Nadal won? He was world number one for 209 weeks, he finished the year at the top of the rankings five times. Among his 22 Grand Slam titles, there are 14 Roland Garros. He has also won all the other Grand Slams at least twice.
These are unreal numbers. Then you have to look at his rivals. Federer is one of them, Djokovic is one of them, so the end of the Big 3 is near.
I met Rafael Nadal personally many decades ago, when I was fourteen or fifteen. He was introduced to me by his uncle Toni. At that time, Rafa also played his two-handed forehand. At the time I was amazed. What stands out is what sets him apart: his uncompromising attitude, his ambition, his motivation, his will to fight. The fact that he was always willing to take a step more than the others.
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It's incredible how many balls he ran and, in the end, he always played until the end. I don't remember a match where Nadal didn't want to play anymore. Sometimes he couldn't go on, but he played anyway. He always fought until the end and many matches ended in the fifth set. I think that's his greatest quality: playing every match until the end with all the passion possible."
