Sue Barker calls Rafael Nadal an 'animal' and fires Novak Djokovic warning

I can lose, he can win, but I cannot give up,

Rafael Nadal once said

Maria Sharapovatennis star

No one like you, Rafa. I have so much respect for your grit, your love of the 'fight', and the pure class with which you showed up, even on a tough day."

Maria Sharapova added

Boris Beckerlegendary tennis player

I am crying as we speak… @RafaelNadal what an absolute icon of sport period! There will never be another one like Rafa! Role model for so many kids all around the world! Gracias Rafa."

Boris Becker tweeted

Why am I getting so choked up. With @RafaelNadal retirement. I’m not good at goodbyes."

Serena wrote

Coco Gauffchampion

Today, I am from Spain,

Coco Gauff said ... as she celebrated the country's icon

Let’s start with the obvious: you beat me — a lot. More than I managed to beat you,

Federer wrote in a statement on social media

The titles, numbers, they’re there. People probably know that,

Nadal said on the court after his final match

Rafa, I know you’re focused on the last stretch of your epic career. We will talk when it’s done. I want you to know that your old friend is always cheering for you, and will be cheering just as loud for everything you do next.”

He also added

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. Just a kid that followed their dreams, worked as hard as possible. ... I have been very lucky,

Nadal said in an on-court, post-match ceremony to honor his retirement