The legendary, Rafa Nadal!
The 38-year-old Spanish tennis player decided it was time to retire from active duty after 23 years of great career on the courts and overall 22 Grand Slam titleswhich make him the second most successful athlete in the history of tennis, behind only Novak Djokovic!
Despite the fact that he has to compete in an official match for three months, from the Paris Olympicsthe “King” of Roland Garros (14 titles) and the clay court, decided to close the great chapter of his career in his home country and at the world tennis tournament held in Malaga!
Although “rusty”, Furia Rocha coach David Ferrer selected him to play in the first leg of the semi-finals between Spain and the Netherlands. Obviously excited during the backlash of the national anthem, but also the love he received from the world, Rafa could not continue his 32-game winning streak in the Davis Cup, knowing the defeat with a score of 2-0 (6-4, 6-4) by Van de Zandschulp.
An emotional anthem for @RafaelNadal ??#DavisCup | @RFETenis pic.twitter.com/wZNt3kmB9x
— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) November 19, 2024
Carlos Alcarath came to save the situation, with No. 3 in the world ranking ties the series at 1-1 after his victory over Talon Greekspor, with the qualification to the “4” of the competition now decided in the double between Alcarath-Granogers for Spain and Van de Zandschulp-Koolhof for the Netherlands.
Nadal lived very strongly and emotionally charged, both his own match and that of Alcarath, in his last performance on the international courts!
Who else has this Rafa reaction on repeat? ??#DavisCup #Rafa #GraciasRafa pic.twitter.com/XtSWsOzT6d
— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) November 19, 2024
After all, many tennis players rushed through social media to support him and at the same time thank him for what he has contributed to the sport, among which the Serena Williams and the Maria Sarapowhy did they dress up in t-shirts with his face on them!
Serena Williams decked out in Rafa Nadal gear today with a beautiful message for him:
“We’re gonna always love you. We’re gonna always miss you. This isn’t a retirement right? You’re moving on.”
?? supporting a ??
My heart. ??
(via @serenawilliams) pic.twitter.com/GB2pbQAhTW
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) November 19, 2024
Maria Sharapova wearing Rafa Nadal merch:
“The only merch I’d ever wear is Spice Girls & Rafa” ??
(via @MariaSharapova) pic.twitter.com/VxPeONbrZ2
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) November 19, 2024
So did his big sponsor for years, Nikewith the sports giant to lights up the Eiffel Tower in the form of Nadal!
Nike lights up the Rafa Nadal logo next to the Eiffel Tower in Paris for his retirement.
Beautiful way to honor the man who accomplished untouchable history in this city.
Iconic brand.
Iconic logo.
Iconic athlete.
It all started here. ??
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) November 19, 2024
I am currently a news writer for News Bulletin247 where I mostly cover sports news. I have always been interested in writing and it is something I am very passionate about. In my spare time, I enjoy reading and spending time with my family and friends.
