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The King of Clay might have made his final farewell as a pro.
Rafael Nadal played in what could be his last match Tuesday, falling 6-4, 6-4 to Botic van de Zandschulp in the first singles competition of the Davis Cup and potentially capping a career that includes 22 Grand Slams.
Though a victory from Nadal’s teammate Carlos Alcaraz kept their squad alive, even if Spain also wins its doubles match to advance, Nadal said after his defeat that he would not select himself to play in the semifinal round. Such a decision will be left to Spanish captain David Ferrer if needed.
Legends from the tennis world were quick to pay their respects after Nadal’s potential last hurrah. Led by Roger Federer and Serena Williams, here are the top reactions from across the sporting world:
Vamos, @RafaelNadal!
As you get ready to graduate from tennis, I’ve got a few things to share before I maybe get emotional.
Let’s start with the obvious: you beat me-a lot. More than I managed to beat you. You challenged me in ways no one else could. On clay, it felt like I…
— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) November 19, 2024
Why am I getting so choked up. With @RafaelNadal retirement. I’m not good at goodbyes
— Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) November 19, 2024
Thank you for giving everything, @RafaelNadal. pic.twitter.com/Cvye6Lpt20
— Nike (@Nike) November 19, 2024
From watching you win your first grand slam in 2005 to watching you win your last in 2022, you have been a hero of mine and an inspiration to how I approach my own career. You will be so missed and tennis won’t be the same without you. Congratulations on one of… https://t.co/k2I1K3Ct36
— Rory McIlroy (@McIlroyRory) November 19, 2024
today, I am from spain 🇪🇸 #rafa
— Coco Gauff (@CocoGauff) November 19, 2024
Dear Rafa,
It has been a privilege to watch you evolve on our clay, where you will leave a perpetual mark on such a challenging surface.
We’re proud to count you as our greatest champion, as much for your 14 titles as for the man you are. Your legacy will live on forever, on… pic.twitter.com/xJ9P96gRaM
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) November 19, 2024
Words can’t express it enough 🥹 pic.twitter.com/Lv9ZHfAoLa
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) November 19, 2024
From prodigy, to contender, to champion, to legend.
How lucky we were to see @RafaelNadal‘s career unfold 💚💜#GraciasRafa | #Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/lZkep0q6kv
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) November 19, 2024
RAFAEL NADAL 🇪🇸❤️🔥
An icon, a legend, a source of inspiration. ✨#GraciasRafa pic.twitter.com/Lk1DVp7P2O
— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) November 20, 2024
From one sporting icon to another ❤️
David Beckham with a heartfelt tribute to the retiring Rafael Nadal.#graciasrafa #daviscup pic.twitter.com/2MDh72vWM8
— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) November 19, 2024
For teaching us not to give up, for inspiring generations, for your love for the game, gracias Rafa ❤️ #RafaSiempre pic.twitter.com/EeZVFhAXhS
— ATP Tour (@atptour) November 19, 2024