Rafael Nadal’s retirement has led to a large number of reactions on social networks from the world of sport. Numerous elite athletes have said goodbye to the Spanish tennis player and have thanked him for his example and career since he started on the ATP circuit on April 29, 2002. Renowned athletes such as Carlos Alcaraz, Roger Federer or Andrés Iniesta and institutions such as Roland Garros, Wimbledon, the Davis Cup or Real Madrid have shown their support for one of the greatest icons of tennis and Spanish sport.
Federer, his great friend on and off the court, has expressed that he had always hoped that “this moment would not come.” “Thank you for the unforgettable moments and for your incredible achievements in the sport we love. “It has been an absolute honor!” Nadal already witnessed his farewell with the Swiss at the 2022 Laver Cup, leaving as an indelible image the two players sitting, emotional through tears, on the London court. Other colleagues such as Carlos Alcaraz, Carla Suárez, Fernando Verdasco, Andy Roddick and Jack Sinner have also spoken out on the networks. Alcaraz thanked the Balearic Islands for having been able to play with him. “Your legacy is unrepeatable,” he added. But the one that also attracts a lot of attention is that of the tennis player Nick Kyrgios, with whom Nadal had several differences. The Australian has said that despite his “differences” he has always been an “incredible fighter.” In addition, he asked the man from Manacor for one last confrontation.
From the ATP circuit they have paid tribute to the tennis player by remembering iconic images and moments of the Manacorí. The big four on the circuit (Roland Garros, Wimbledon, US Open, and Australian Open) have also reacted to the withdrawal of the second male tennis player with the most Grand Slams in history (22). But, without a doubt, the most special has been Roland Garros, Nadal’s fiefdom during his career. From social networks they have shared a video of their matches on the French clay court and have thanked their particular “king”, King Rafa, for his participation in the tournament. “14 thanks for the millions of memories,” they have published.
Another idol of Spanish sports, Andrés Iniesta, who announced his retirement this Tuesday, also thanked the Balearic Islands for its example for all athletes. “Congratulations on your spectacular career and for the legacy you leave.” Real Madrid has published a statement in which it shows its “admiration” for the tennis player and in which it has expressed and highlighted “the essential values of sport, with which he has forged his entire extraordinary career.” Nadal was named honorary member of the white club in 2011. In addition, both current and former players of the team have spoken out. Among them, Toni Kroos, also retired since last summer, Luka Modrić and Cristiano Ronaldo stand out. The Portuguese valued “witnessing his career” and being able to call him “friend.”
