Quotes
One day I joined in with a group of half a dozen children Toni was teaching
In his 2011 autobiography Rafa: My Story, Nadal recalled He demanded a lot of me, pressured me hard
My parents' divorce made an important change in my life
Nadal previously told of how devastated he was when his mother and father split in 2009, saying My uncle, who is the reason I started playing tennis – I believe that, thanks to him, I have also been able to overcome many situations that have been difficult in my sporting career.
In today's message, Nadal said of Toni My family is everything to me
Nadal made much of his relatives' importance to him in today's video statement, saying But, I am very excited that my last tournament will be the final of the Davis Cup and representing my country. I think I've come full circle since one of my great joys as a professional tennis player was the Davis Cup final in Sevilla in 2004. I feel super, super lucky for all the things I've been able to experience,
I want to thank the entire tennis industry, all the people involved in this sport, my long-time colleagues, especially my great rivals,
Nadal said over images of him playing against Federer and Djokovic The reality is that it has been some difficult years, these last two especially. I don’t think I have been able to play without limitations. It is obviously a difficult decision, one that has taken me some time to make. But in this life, everything has a beginning and an end,
Thank you, Rafa! Your journey has inspired so many of us. You’ve given us unforgettable moments on the court,
one fan tweeted, echoing the sentiments of many who have followed Nadal’s career Watching Nadal play was always a masterclass in determination and heart. He embodied the spirit of tennis,
said another fan in a tribute post It doesn't matter the situation that brings me to the position that I am today, that is unexpected without a doubt because at the age of 36, I thought I would be doing other things, not playing tennis... But here I am, and I couldn't be happier,
In this life, everything has a beginning and an end,
A thousand thanks to you, Rafa! Thanks for everything. Congratulations on such a brilliant career! Let's go for the best ending in Malaga."
Robert Bautista Agut, who will play alongside Nadal at the Davis Cup finals, wrote You are amazing! It's been so incredible to witness your greatness and work ethic and be able to learn from it. Wishing you all the best in your next chapter."
Many other big-name players also paid tribute to Nadal, with Coco Gauff adding We had our differences but you were one hell of a warrior. Best wishes and good luck with whatever comes next."
The Aussie posted on X (formerly Twitter What a career, Rafa! I always hoped this day would never come,
I am very excited that my last tournament will be the Davis Cup representing my country,
the 38-year-old, who won a record 14 French Open titles, added in the emotional message Today I got to feel what it is like to play you and I know I’m not the first victim,
You feel like he’s impenetrable, he’s like a wall,
said Djokovic, perhaps his greatest rival of all Hello everyone, I’m here to let you know I am retiring from professional tennis,
Nadal said in a video posted to his X account