Retiring Rafael Nadal’s career ends as Spain is ousted at Davis Cup

Hello, my friend! Rafa, congratulations on your incredible career . Rafa, I wanted to send my love and huge congratulations to you for an amazing career. Thank you for so many incredible moments and memories as a tennis fan, and for everything that you have done to inspire young people around the world.”

Beckham in his message said

Probably today the decision to put me on the court didn't work,

he admitted

Rafael Nadaltennis legend

It was not the case, I lost my match

Asked after the match if he was happy with his performance, Nadal was philosophical, saying

Serena Williamstennis legend

Gosh, you have meant so much in my career, you have inspired me to have so many wins, to keep going, to fight, to get better, to improve, to basically play like you

Serena Williams added

I leave with the peace of mind that I have left a legacy, which I really feel is not just a sporting one but a personal one,

Nadal told fans in Malaga in a speech during a ceremony to honour his retirement

I am calm because I have received an education to take on what is coming next,

he explained

I leave the world of professional tennis having encountered many good friends along the way,

said Nadal in his emotional speech

The titles, the numbers are there, so people probably know that, but the way that remembered more is like a good person, from a small village in Mallorca,

continued Nadal

There are people who will be remembered for their achievements in life, others until the end of their days, and others eternally,

said Ferrer

He gave everything he had in the tank, all of his energy… it’s sad to see him go but we have to accept it,

added Alcaraz

His legacy is going to be eternal,

Alcaraz told reporters

Boris Beckerlegendary tennis player

I am crying as we speak… Rafael Nadal… What an absolute icon of sport period! There will never be another one like Rafa

wrote former world number one Boris Becker on social media platform X

I really wanted to do it for Rafa, and stay focused on my game, try not to think about Rafa's last tournament, Rafa's last match,

said Alcaraz

Rafael Nadaltennis legend

It is obviously a difficult decision, one that has taken me some time to make,

said Nadal, who underwent surgery for a hip injury last April

The truth is that nobody ever wants to arrive at this moment,

said the 22-time Grand Slam champion

This decision allowed us to stay active in our own business and get involved in the local community,

he wrote

There is life in retirement, and it's pretty good,

he said

My plan was to work until I was 65 or 70, but my wife apparently had a different idea,

he said

Casper Ruudseventh seed

Today I got to feel what it is like to play you and I know I’m not the first victim,

Ruud said

Novak Djokovictime Grand Slam champion

You feel like he’s impenetrable, he’s like a wall,

said Djokovic, perhaps his greatest rival of all