Rafa bids farewell

This week, Rafa bid farewell at the Davis Cup, marking the end of an iconic career and leaving tennis fans everywhere (including Roger and Serena) emotional.

Hi there! 🥯 
This week, Rafa bid farewell at the Davis Cup, marking the end of an iconic career and leaving tennis fans everywhere (including Roger and Serena) emotional. Let’s get into it.

Nadal hangs up his racquet in front of home crowd

The Spanish legend's glittering career has come to an end at the ongoing Davis Cup Finals.

  • Final bow. Rafael Nadal took to the court for the last time as a professional player during Spain’s Davis Cup quarterfinal tie against the Netherlands. Later, surrounded by his teammates, with whom he had just bowed out of the Davis Cup, Nadal addressed the crowd. “It’s been 20 years of a career in which you have always buoyed me. During good moments, you helped me win the next point and in difficult moments, you pushed me to keep fighting.

  • Rafa doesn’t want to stop playing tennis, but his body has given up. Nadal, went on to add, “The reality is that you never want this moment to come. I’m not tired of playing tennis, but my body doesn’t want to play anymore. You have to accept the situation. I feel super privileged. I’ve been able to turn one of my hobbies into a career, and it was much longer than I would have imagined. I can only be grateful.”

Federer's heartfelt farewell to Rafa

The Swiss great celebrates Rafa's incredible career with an emotional tribute.

  • Vamos, Rafa! Federer posted a deeply personal tribute on social media, celebrating Nadal’s iconic career and the moments they shared on and off the court. Federer said, “… You beat me - a lot. More than I managed to beat you. You challenged me in ways no one else could. You made me reimagine my game - even going so far as to change the size of my racquet head, hoping for any edge. You made me enjoy the game even more. What an incredible run you’ve had. Including 14 French Open titles - historic! You made Spain proud… you made the whole tennis world proud. 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.

The Highlights 

  • This isn’t a retirement, right? You’re moving on! — Serena Williams says it was an honour to watch Rafa play

  • Federer, Djokovic and more pay tribute to Nadal — There were emotional scenes in Malaga as the 22-time major winner played his last professional match.

  • It only takes everything — Nike dedicated a stunning video to Rafa.

Two Decades of Rafa's Dominance On Clay

Rafael Nadal's Win-Loss Record in ATP Clay Matches (2005-2024)

One last thing

Oh, and before you go, here are some reactions to Rafa’s retirement on social media 🔥 
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