Rafa Nadal retires from tennis and prompts a wave of love and recognition from his peers

Rafael Nadal has retired from tennis. The Spanish legend played his last match at the Davis Cup, after a difficult season where he suffered various injuries and had to pull back from some of his favorite tournaments, Nadal decided to say goodbye with 22 Grand Slam wins, 92 ATP Tour titles, and two Olympic gold medals. 

© Matt McNulty

An emotional Nadal addressed the crowd after participating in his last match. He discussed how he'd like to be remembered in the future, foregoing titles and instead focusing on his character. 

"The titles, the numbers are there. People probably know that," he said. 

"But the way that I would like to be remembered more is like a good person from a small village in Mallorca... I just want to be remembered as a good person and a kid who followed their dreams, and achieved more than what I ever dreamed."

He mentioned his Uncle Tony, who coached him in tennis when he was very young, opening doors that helped him achieve his dreams. "I have been very lucky." 

Nadal's retirement has inspired reactions from his peers

Nadal's retirement has prompted a wave of love and admiration from the world, particularly from athletes. A tribute video shared by the Davis Cup shows icons like Raul Gonzalez Blanco, Iker Casillas, and Serena Williams discussing Nadal's strengths on and off the court.

His peers in tennis also had wonderful things to say. "Your tenacity, your fighting spirit, the energy that you brought, the power... It's something that will be studied and will be transferred to many many generations that are coming up," said Novak Djokovic, one of Nadal's great rivals. 

But the most touching tribute came from Roger Federer, Nadal's most storied rival and also one of his closest friends. "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," reads Federer's letter. 

When discussing Nadal's ability to play on clay, Federer wrote: "You made me reimagine my game—even going so far as to change the size of my racquet head, hoping for any edge."

Through his letter, Federer addressed their many encounters and the joy and frustration he felt when playing Nadal. One of the most touching bits recounts Federer's last match, which he played alongside Nadal, as his doubles partner. "It meant everything to me that you were there by my side—not as my rival but as my doubles partner. Sharing the court with you that night, and sharing those tears, will forever be one of the most special moments of my career."

"Best always, your fan, Roger." 

© Clive Brunskill