MALAGA, Spain — The retirement of Rafael Nadal from professional tennis has prompted an outpouring of admiration and reflection from both current and former players alike. The tennis world is taking a moment to acknowledge the immense impact that Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam champion, has had on the sport and its athletes.
Taylor Fritz, the recent U.S. Open runner-up and currently ranked No. 4, expressed his sentiments with nostalgia, stating that Nadal was “the perfect role model” for young tennis players. He noted how surreal it felt to witness the closing of this era, given that many players, including himself, grew up watching Nadal compete.
Three-time Grand Slam semifinalist Elina Svitolina remembered attending Nadal’s matches and how his unmatched spirit inspired her to strive for excellence in her own game. She described his approach and attitude as “iconic,” showcasing the admiration he inspired across generations.
Thanasi Kokkinakis, who won the Australian Open men’s doubles championship in 2022, honored Nadal as a “legend” and a prominent ambassador for tennis, labeling him among the “greatest athletes” in the history of sports.
Daniil Medvedev, the U.S. Open champion in 2021 and recurrent foe of Nadal, noted the humility that Nadal maintained throughout his career, emphasizing that it was a challenge often overlooked by successful athletes but one he greatly respected.
Conchita Martinez, the 1994 Wimbledon champion, reflected on Nadal’s relentless pursuit of improvement, highlighting that he exemplified what it meant to be a champion and a remarkable individual in the sport.
Tommy Paul, a semifinalist at the 2023 Australian Open, addressed the lasting legacy Nadal will have within tennis, stating that his influence was undeniable, and the way he conducted himself was admirable.
Serena Williams, a 23-time Grand Slam champion, conveyed deep affection, saying, “We’re going to always love you. We’re going to always miss you,” highlighting the emotional connection many feel toward Nadal.
Carlos Alcaraz, a talented four-time Grand Slam champion, shared his feelings of gratitude for the moments spent on and off the court with Nadal, expressing a desire to have had more shared experiences with the legend.
Iga Swiatek, a five-time major champion, shared her conflicted feelings about the sport’s future, suggesting that Nadal was the only player she closely followed and the prospect of watching tennis without him felt uncertain.
Yannick Hanfmann, a former world No. 45, remarked on Nadal’s dual nature as a fierce competitor on the court and a humble person off of it, reinforcing his status as a role model for many.
Ben Shelton, a 2023 U.S. Open semifinalist, recalled Nadal’s extraordinary competitive spirit, noting that even in dire situations, Nadal remained a formidable contender, a quality that astonished him during their practice sessions.
Ilya Marchenko, a top-50 ranked player and captain of Ukraine’s Billie Jean King Cup team, reminisced about the sadness that comes with Nadal closing this chapter of his career, acknowledging the unique qualities he brought to the sport.
Francisco Cerúndolo, a player ranked in the top 20, voiced his belief that whatever path Nadal pursues next, he will excel, stressing the void his departure leaves in both tennis and sports.
Novak Djokovic, Nadal’s longtime rival with whom he has faced off 60 times, praised Nadal’s relentless drive and spirit, declaring that these traits would inspire upcoming generations and that the sports world would deeply miss his energy.
Andy Murray, a three-time Grand Slam champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist, commented on the passion and intensity Nadal brought to the game, further cementing his legacy in tennis history.
Roberto Bautista Agut, a 2019 Wimbledon semifinalist and Davis Cup teammate of Nadal, acknowledged the lessons learned from him, confirming that Nadal’s example would continue to influence all in the sport.