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Serena Williams, Other Tennis Stars Congratulate Rafael Nadal on Legendary Career
Tuesday was an emotional day for the tennis world as Rafael Nadal played the last professional match of his legendary career since Team Spain lost in the Davis Cup. Nadal is now retired from tennis.
The Spaniard took the tennis world by storm when he turned pro in 2005, and he never backed away. With 22 major titles, 92 ATP Tour titles, two Olympic gold medals and many more accomplishments, Nadal will hang up his racket for the last time.
Praise from tennis stars and fans alike poured in on Tuesday, starting with a beautiful letter penned by longtime rival and friend Roger Federer. Serena Williams, who played throughout Nadal's career, posted multiple times celebrating the career of her friend and former colleague. She was even decked out in a Nadal shirt and headband while watching him play.
Why am I getting so choked up. With @RafaelNadal retirement. I’m not good at goodbyes
— Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) November 19, 2024
Other tennis stars wore the Nike Nadal shirt on Tuesday, including Maria Sharapova, Aryna Sabalenka and Lorenzo Musetti.
Maria Sharapova wearing Rafa Nadal merch:
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) November 19, 2024
“The only merch I’d ever wear is Spice Girls & Rafa” 🥹
(via @MariaSharapova) pic.twitter.com/VxPeONbrZ2
Aryna Sabalenka decked out in Rafa gear today. 🥹 pic.twitter.com/W2Le2aYXgh
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) November 19, 2024
Lorenzo Musetti changed his profile pic and… ☺️ pic.twitter.com/WXCUbQnn4b
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) November 19, 2024
The Davis Cup created a retirement celebration video for Nadal, which included congratulatory messages from the other three members of the "Big Four"—Federer, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray.
For your fighting spirit.
— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) November 19, 2024
For your humility and kindness.
For everything you’ve done for tennis.
Gracias, Rafa. pic.twitter.com/tDicj5KUI5
Other tennis legends and stars posted on social media for Nadal, including Billie Jean King and Carlos Alcaraz, who played alongside Nadal on Tuesday.
22 Grand Slam titles
— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) November 20, 2024
36 ATP Masters 1000 titles
2 Olympic Gold Medals
1 magnificent, inimitable career.
Congratulations, @RafaelNadal. Looking forward to following the next steps in your journey. pic.twitter.com/6aa0bafU4t
Habrá muchas más Davis, Rafa solo hay uno ❤️ Gracias a ti me he convertido en tenista profesional. Ha sido una suerte poder vivir tu carrera como un niño para el que fuiste un ídolo y luego como un compañero de equipo más! El mejor embajador posible que deja un legado eterno 🙏🏻… pic.twitter.com/WFeTcgVGO5
— Carlos Alcaraz (@carlosalcaraz) November 20, 2024
Congratulations on your incredible career, @RafaelNadal 🙏🏼
— Ana Ivanovic (@anaivanovic) November 20, 2024
Tennis is going to miss you 🎾 pic.twitter.com/osPwEBjoXt
Gracias Rafa!
— Boris Becker (@TheBorisBecker) November 20, 2024
One of the most iconic sportsman ever, sadly left the game of tennis. You gave us unbelievable moments on court that will be remembered forever. A deep sense of gratitude from me and anybody that loves the game 🎾! @RafaelNadal pic.twitter.com/TKePf5GL2T
Rafa, watching you compete has been a privilege. Your legacy will endure as one of the greatest to ever grace the game. Thank you for the countless unforgettable moments and for setting a standard of excellence that will inspire generations to come. Wishing you happiness and… pic.twitter.com/gOgGAS7VCC
— Rod Laver (@rodlaver) November 20, 2024
Congratulations on a historic career @RafaelNadal
— victoria azarenka (@vika7) November 20, 2024
Your fight, determination and unbelievable intensity has inspired and changed the game of tennis for the better!
All the best for you!
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Madison Williams is a staff writer on the Breaking and Trending News team at Sports Illustrated, where she specializes in tennis but covers a wide range of sports from a national perspective. Before joining SI in 2022, Williams worked at The Sporting News. Having graduated from Augustana College, she completed a master’s in sports media at Northwestern University. She is a dog mom and an avid reader.