CR7 also takes a bow

Nadal calls it quits: Emotional words from Federer

In 2022, Roger Federer (left) and Rafael Nadal cried at the end of the Swiss player's career, now it's getting emotional again.

(Bild: AP)

The end had been looming, and on Thursday the time had come: tennis superstar Rafael Nadal announced his retirement from professional sport in a video. There are emotional words from his former long-term rival Roger Federer, who retired in 2022.

"What a career, Rafa! I always hoped this day would never come," Federer commented on Nadal's video message. "Thank you for the unforgettable memories and all your incredible performances in the game we love. It was a great honor!"

It was Federer who last encouraged Nadal to retire. "Time wears on you. In the end, it might also be helpful to make a decision at some point. And then, when it's over, you just relax again and say: Oh, luckily no more training, luckily no more matches," said the Swiss on the sidelines of the Laver Cup in Berlin, which he co-initiated.

Ronaldo: "It was an honor"
 Nadal will play his last tournament at the final round of the Davis Cup from November 19 to 24 in Malaga. The tennis superstar's last appearance will also be watched by soccer great Cristiano Ronaldo. "Rafa, you have had an incredible career! Your dedication, your passion and your incredible talent have inspired millions of people around the world," wrote "CR7", who played very successfully for Real Madrid, Nadal's favorite club, via Instagram.

Cristiano Ronaldo

(Bild: APA/AFP/Patricia DE MELO MOREIRA)

He continued: "It's been an honor to witness your journey and call you a friend - congratulations on your incredible career and enjoy your retirement!" These words can only be echoed ...

Further reactions:

Jannik Sinner (world number one tennis player, Italy): 
"This is tough news for the tennis world, but not only the tennis world. (...) I was very lucky to get to know him, also as a person, and he is an incredible person. (...) We saw how good he was as a player, what we young players could learn from him - how he dealt with certain situations, difficult situations on the court. (...) At the same time, he remained humble and didn't change with his success."

Coco Gauff (US Open winner 2023, USA): 
"You are wonderful! It was incredible to see your greatness and work ethic and to be able to learn from it. I wish you nothing but the best in your next chapter."

Nick Kyrgios (l.) and Rafael Nadal

(Bild: AP)

Nick Kyrgios (Wimbledon finalist 2022): 
"Rafa, don't resign. I want to play you one last time. We had our differences, but you were a hell of a fighter. Best wishes and good luck for whatever awaits you."

Boris Becker (three-time Wimbledon winner, Germany): 
"Thank you very much, Rafa. You've made the tennis world a better place."

Kylian Mbappe (captain of the French national soccer team):
"Congratulations on your career Rafa, you are a role model as a player and as a person. Enjoy your retirement, you will always be a legend."

Andres Iniesta (World and European champion with the Spanish national soccer team): 
"Congratulations on your extraordinary career and the legacy you have left behind."

Florentino Perez (President of Nadal's favorite club Real Madrid): 
"Rafa Nadal is a pride for our country and an example of the fundamental values of sport with which he has shaped his entire extraordinary career."