Rafael Nadal. Amber Searls-Imagn Images

Tennis world reacts to Rafael Nadal’s retirement news

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Larry Brown | Last updated Oct 10, 2024 2:20 PM ET

Rafael Nadal made a big announcement on Thursday, and the tennis world reacted accordingly.

Nadal posted a video on social media stating he would be retiring from tennis after playing for Spain in the Davis Cup in November. In the video, Nadal reflected upon his career.

Mil gracias a todos
Many thanks to all
Merci beaucoup à tous
Grazie mille à tutti
谢谢大家
شكرا لكم جميعا
תודה לכולכם
Obrigado a todos
Vielen Dank euch allen
Tack alla
Хвала свима
Gràcies a tots pic.twitter.com/7yPRs7QrOi

— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) October 10, 2024

The 38-year-old Spaniard won 22 grand slams during his career, including a record 14 French Open titles. He is a tennis legend, and his peers recognize that.

Several figures from tennis reacted on social media to Nadal’s retirement news.

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

Rafa, one post is not enough to express the respect I have for you and what you have done for our sport. You have inspired millions of children to start playing tennis and I think that’s probably greatest achievement anyone can wish for. Your tenacity, dedication, fighting spirit… pic.twitter.com/HO9kUkyccN

— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) 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

We had our differences but you were one hell of a warrior. Best wishes and goodluck with whatever comes next. https://t.co/ZRHMRcSqFI

— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) 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

Rafa Nadal is one of the greatest competitors in any sport. His attitude made him such a role model. Of course his accomplishments are incredible, but the level of effort in every point, his sportsmanship and the respect he showed to the game and his opponents makes him

— James Blake (@JRBlake) October 10, 2024

Thank you Rafa, for entertaining us and sharing your legendary career with the world.

For your sportsmanship, your leadership, and for always showing us tennis is a sport of strength, competition, and tenacity. pic.twitter.com/a5RGJIPgZi

— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) October 10, 2024

Roger Federer to Rafa Nadal after announcing his retirement from tennis.

Always supporting each other til the very end. pic.twitter.com/qQNkCler2k

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) October 10, 2024

Many posts that paid tribute to Nadal mentioned his tenacity on the court and his sportsmanship.

Nadal is known for fighting hard for every point and in every match he plays. In addition to his multiple playing achievements, he has won the Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship Award five times and was the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year in 2011 and 2021.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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