From Novak Djokovic to Iga Swiatek, players reflect on Rafael Nadal's career and retirement

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

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 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

Rod Laveraustralian tennis great

Your legacy will endure as one of the greatest to ever grace the game,

Laver said

Thanks to you I have become a professional tennis player,

Alcaraz added

Serena Williamstennis legend

Congratulations on a career that most won’t dare to dream of,

Williams said on Instagram alongside a video of her wearing Nadal-branded merchandise

Too much ... Today, I’m from Spain #Rafa.”

World number two Iga Swiatek reacted to a video of the Spaniard tearing up with a crying emoji and said

I think that he was one of the best ambassadors for tennis,

said Alcaraz

Roger Federertennis legend

It was such a privilege to play with you but especially against you,

Roger Federer said

On clay, it felt like I was stepping into your backyard, and you made me work harder than I ever thought I could just to hold my ground,

Federer wrote

Taylor Fritzamerican

I didn’t watch a lot of tennis growing up but even I was watching Rafa,

ATP Finals runner-up Taylor Fritz told CNN Sport recently

I just want to be remembered as a good person and a kid that followed their dreams and achieved more than what I’ve ever dreamed,

the Spanish great modestly said after playing in his final match

All that buzz I’d been hearing about you — about this amazing young player from Mallorca, a generational talent, probably going to win a major someday — it wasn’t just hype,

Federer wrote of that match in his farewell message to Nadal

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

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 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