Tennis legend Rafael Nadal is receiving praise and support by rivals since announcing his retirement plans. As one of the greatest athletes of all time, the Spanish icon leaves behind a legacy that has guided a new generation of professionals to follow their dreams.

Nadal, who is a 22-time Grand Slam champion, claimed 14 Roland Garros titles, two Wimbledon crowns, two Australian Opens, and four US Open championships. Turned pro in 2001, Nadal will play his last competitive match at age 38.

Nadal will play his last tennis match at the Davis Cup Finals, which will be held November 19-24 in Malaga. Sportsbooks are giving him lower odds since the Spaniard said that he will only contest the singles if he is “ready to win.”

Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic praise Rafael Nadal

Upon hearing the news, Roger Federer released this statement: “I hoped this day would never come. Thank you for the unforgettable memories and all your incredible achievements in the game we love. It’s been an absolute honor!”

Novak Djokovic responded after reading the headline, as tributes flowed across the world: “Your tenacity, dedication, and fighting spirit will be taught for decades. Your legacy will live forever.”

Six-time Roland Garros champion Bjorn Borg, who led Team Europe to five Laver Cup titles, including two with Nadal, reflected on the Spaniard’s unmatched success before this year’s tournament.

“Many people said at the time that probably no one would break my record,” Borg said. “I always believed records are there to be broken. That’s the nature of sport. Then Rafa comes along and wins 14 times. You will never see another player so good on clay.”

Laver Cup organizers paid tribute to the left-hander as well.

“Nadal’s unparalleled sportsmanship, unwavering commitment, and deep sense of camaraderie have been the hallmarks of his extraordinary career,” said Tony Godsick, Chairman of the Laver Cup and CEO of TEAM8.

“Whether he was fiercely competing or standing in support of his teammates, Rafa’s passion for the game and his leadership inspired everyone around him. His presence, both on and off the court, will be greatly missed.”

Nadal canceled his appearance at Laver Cup in Berlin

Rafael Nadal had planned to make one final appearance at Laver Cup in Berlin. However, he withdrew shortly before the event citing “fitness concerns,” according to the tournament.

Prior to the event, players from Team Europe and Team World paid their respects to the champion, who had inspired their own journeys.

Carlos Alcaraz, who partnered with Nadal at the Paris Olympics in July, said, “I look up to Rafa since I was a little kid. I try to take a lot of things from him on the court and off the court. I try to follow in his steps.”

Alexander Zverev was Nadal’s Laver Cup teammate in 2017 and 2019. He was able to experience the Spaniard’s unmatched energy every time on the court.

“The energy that he brings to any competition, the moment he steps on the court, he becomes a different animal in a way. That’s why everybody loves and enjoys watching him.”

Stefanos Tsitsipas admired Nadal’s competitive spirit

Additionally, Stefanos Tsitsipas said he most admired Nadal’s competitive spirit in tennis. “It’s in his nature. It’s engraved within him. That’s what makes him such an incredible athlete.

“[Rafael Nadal] has a great team spirit, which was obvious from the very first point that was played. He was really involved within the team and he was bringing all the energy.”

John McEnroe, who stepped down as captain of Team World following the seventh edition of the Laver Cup in Berlin, said Nadal was pretty much a role model on the tennis court.

“I’ve never seen a guy that, point in and point out, gives that type of effort and that’s got to inspire other players. His swagger and the way he played was so different in the way he approached things.”

As a Laver Cup champion in 2017 and 2019, Rafael Nadal competed in seven matches for Team Europe, demonstrating his unwavering determination across three singles and four doubles contests.

As of October 2024, Nadal has an estimated net worth of over $220 million.