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Federer leads the displays of affection towards Nadal
Swiss and Spanish wrote a historic rivalry on the circuit
October 10, 2024
By ATP Editorial in Spanish
The world of tennis woke up this Thursday with one of those news with total impact. Rafael Nadal announced the decision to put an end to a legendary sporting career, leaving an indelible mark on the ATP Tour. Through social networks, the reactions did not take long to arrive, with some of the most illustrious names in the sport offering words of affection to the Mallorcan.
Roger Federer had a message of recognition for his greatest rival and professional partner, underlining the good relationship they maintained at the top of the sport.
“What a career, Rafa!” wrote the Swiss through Instagram, publicly showing his appreciation for the Balearic Islander. “I always wished this day would never come. Thank you for the unforgettable memories and for all your incredible achievements in the sport we love. ‘It was a real honor!’
Spanish and Swiss wrote a historic rivalry on the ATP Tour circuit, providing values of respect, sportsmanship and fair play in each match. His variety of styles attracted millions of fans to the courts, generating an impeccable passion for the white sport. Together they managed to raise the popularity of tennis worldwide, until making the game the global spectacle as we know it today.
Between 2004 and 2019, Nadal and Federer played 40 unforgettable matches around the world, including 10 duels in Grand Slam finals.
Both have maintained a good sporting relationship that extended off the fields. In recent seasons, Federer attended the inauguration of Nadal’s academy, while the Spaniard was present at the Swiss’s last competition, forming a doubles partner at the Laver Cup 2022.
Novak Djokovic also had words of recognition for Nadal, with whom he created the widest rivalry in the history of men’s tennis. Serbian and Spaniard faced each other 60 times, becoming the two most successful tennis players in the history of the ATP Tour.
“Rafa, one post is not enough to express the respect I have always had for you and everything you have done for our sport. You have inspired millions of children to play tennis, that is probably the greatest achievement anyone can wish for. Your tenacity, dedication and fighting spirit will be taught for decades. Your legacy will live forever,” the Balkan wrote on Instagram, sharing photographs with some special moments between the two.
“Only you know what you have had to go through to become an icon of sport and tennis in general. Thank you for pushing me to the limit so many times in the rivalry that has had the greatest impact on me as a player. Your passion for representing Spain has always been remarkable. I wish you the best farewell in Malaga with the Spanish Davis Cup team. I will be there in person to show my respect for your spectacular career.”
Many figures on the circuit joined in unanimously thanking the Spaniard for his personal and professional example over the years.
Great Rafa. @RafaelNadal Thanks for all the memories………. Thanks my friend
— andyroddick (@andyroddick) October 10, 2024
You have been my greatest rival, my partner, and my friend for more than half of my life!!
What you have achieved is indescribable and what you will be missed is even more so.
THANKS FOR EVERYTHING @RafaelNadal #Legend 🏆🥇 https://t.co/VhE1FNeC1z
— Fernando Verdasco (@FerVerdasco) October 10, 2024
Thanks Rafa ❤️ pic.twitter.com/nO6fnx7PV3
— Paula Badosa (@paulabadosa) October 10, 2024
Thank you @RafaelNadal for inspiring me and all of us ❤️🙏
You will be missed 😢❤️ pic.twitter.com/uixuSLG0V8— Ons Jabeur (@Ons_Jabeur) October 10, 2024
Possessed every quality in an athlete that you want for your own kids to try & emulate
Kindness, respect, hard-working, loyal, generous, belief & a willingness to fight for every single point. A role model
An inspiration to every generation & all-time legend
Well done, Rafa 👏 https://t.co/rIZCXwBNdn
— Darren Cahill (@darren_cahill) October 10, 2024
Nobody wanted this moment to come.
Gracias @RafaelNadal 🫶 pic.twitter.com/RMjy0gdREA
— Feliciano López (@feliciano_lopez) October 10, 2024
Thank you @RafaelNadal for everything you have given to the sport. To have the chance to spend a few weeks training with you a few years ago is something I’ll never forget. To watch you work as an athlete but also get to know you as a person off the court was even more special.… pic.twitter.com/Obyrk5V5mh
— Jannik Sinner (@janniksin) October 10, 2024
How much you will be missed 🥹. It was a great privilege to see your incredible career, thank you for being a huge source of inspiration, for transmitting that dedication, passion and commitment.
Enjoy the next journey
Gracias @RafaelNadal 🙌🏼❤️ pic.twitter.com/uGNHyvLVym— Gabriela Sabatini (@sabatinigabyok) October 10, 2024
Another tough one. Retirement is inevitable but I’m going to miss watching this bloke fighting for every point like no other. A truly remarkable human, best wishes @RafaelNadal 🚀 pic.twitter.com/nR9ddVnnvV
— Rod Laver (@rodlaver) October 10, 2024
Tennis hero and inspiration. Wishing you all the best for the future! 🙌 @RafaelNadal pic.twitter.com/Zi5QnyFPQ9
— Hubert Hurkacz (@HubertHurkacz) October 10, 2024
Thank you @RafaelNadal for the stellar years of lifting tennis up to the warrior level, for your unmatched sportsmanship and humility, for never changing as a person despite all your success. There will be a gaping hole in tennis now because there has never been anyone like…
— Chris Evert (@ChrissieEvert) October 10, 2024
Source: https://www.atptour.com/es/news/shanghai-2024-federer-mensaje-nadal-retirada
