Rafael Nadal gets emotional after ending his 23-year tennis career

Your tenacity, your fighting spirit, the energy that you brought, the power is something that will be studied and something that will be transferred to many many generations that are coming up. I've been very honoured and thrilled to be called your rival. The tennis world and the sports world will miss the incredible energy that you brought on the court. There's so much to embrace, so much to celebrate,

the Serbian said

Rafael Nadal, I can't think of anyone else who better represents the values of sport and life,

the Ballon d'Or 2024 winner said

The passion and intensity which you played with was something. All tennis players aspire to do and what all tennis fans will remember you for. It's been incredible watching you."

Former World No.1 Andy Murray joined in to pay his tribute stating

Roger Federertennis legend

Congratulations on the most incredible career. It was such a privilege to play with you, but especially also against you. Some of my favorite memories with you Rafa, of course the 2008 Wimbledon finals where you got me."

Meanwhile, another tennis legend Roger Federer, who has faced Nadal in some iconic grueling matches on the court and lauded as one of his greatest rivals, said

The best sportsman in history. Your values on and off the court have inspired my career and my life."

Football legend Raul, who featured in the tribute video, said

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

I lost my first match in the Davis Cup, and I lost my last one. So we close the circle,

added Nadal with a smile

It has been 20 years of a professional career in which you have carried me through the good times, and in the bad you pushed me to keep playing,

he said

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 honor 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

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

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

After the 2004 Australian Open, I achieved the #1 ranking for the first time. I thought I was on top of the world. And I was—until two months later, when you walked on the court in Miami in your red sleeveless shirt, showing off those biceps, and you beat me convincingly,

Federer added

Rafa, I know you're focused on the last stretch of your epic career. We will talk when it's done,

Federer wrote

You made me enjoy the game even more."

Still, Federer told Nadal in his post, referring to him by the nickname Rafa

As you get ready to graduate from tennis, I’ve got a few things to share before I maybe get emotional.”

Writing on social media Tuesday, hours before the start of the Davis Cup Final 8, Nadal's last event before heading into retirement, Federer began his message with the word “Vamos” and said