(Sports news, tennis news) Rafael Nadal officially retired and was respected by Federer, Djokovic and Kyrgios. The memories and legendary confrontation between them will forever be imprinted in the hearts of fans.
After Rafael Nadal officially announced his retirement via video on October 10, three of his most prominent rivals, including Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios, quickly expressed their respect and deep feelings for the Spanish tennis legend.
Federer (left) was very sad when Rafa (right) announced his retirement after Davis Cup 2024
Federer: “I always hoped this day would never come”
“Express train” Federer, who had some of the most classic confrontations in tennis history with Nadal, was quick to share his feelings after hearing the news of his friend and greatest rival’s retirement.
Federer expressed on social media: “I always hoped this day would never come. Thank you for the unforgettable memories and all the extraordinary achievements in the sport we all love. It was an honor to play against you!”.
The respect and friendship between Federer and Nadal has been the highlight of a rivalry that has spanned more than two decades, making the two not just rivals but legends who together created a golden era of tennis.
Novak, Nadal’s other great rival, has taken a more muted approach. When Nadal posted a video announcing his retirement on Instagram, Djokovic immediately “liked” it but has yet to make any public statement. Djokovic and Nadal have faced each other a total of 60 times, and their rivalry is considered one of the greatest in tennis, with Djokovic winning 31 times and losing 29.
Djokovic (right) is playing at the Shanghai Masters so he temporarily clicked the “like” button on Rafa’s (left) post.
However, this is only temporary silence from Djokovic. He is attending the Shanghai Masters so he has not had time to express his gratitude to the “King of Clay”.
Kyrgios: “Rafa, don’t retire, I want to play you again”
Nick Kyrgios, the Australian tennis player known for his bubbly and outspoken personality, was also quick to send a message to Nadal after hearing the news that he was about to retire.
Kyrgios posted on social media: “Rafa don’t retire, I want to play you again”. The short, concise sentence clearly shows Kyrgios’s wish, he wants to have the opportunity to face Nadal one more time before the Spanish player officially retires from his playing career. Kyrgios and Nadal have had many tense confrontations, Kyrgios won 3 out of 9 matches between them.
| Nadal’s career achievements
Grand Slam: 22 titles (14 Roland Garros, 4 US Open, 2 Wimbledon, 2 Australian Open). ATP Masters 1000: 36 titles Monte Carlo: 11 titles Rome: 10 titles Madrid: 5 titles Indian Wells: 3 titles Canada: 5 titles Cincinnati: 1 title ATP 500 Tournaments: 24 titles Barcelona: 12 titles Acapulco: 3 titles Hamburg: 2 titles Beijing: 1 title Rio de Janeiro: 1 title Olympics: 2 (singles gold medal 2008, doubles gold medal 2016). Davis Cup: 5 titles (2004, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2019). Other ATP titles: ATP 250 (Sydney, Doha, Stuttgart, and several others). |
Source: [Source link]Source: [Source link]
