Rafael Nadal
‘No excuses just play the game’: Serena and Beckham among those to salute Nadal on social media
Laver, Alcaraz, Swiatek, Gauff also react to the Spaniard’s retirement
November 20, 2024
Julian Finney / Getty Images
Serena Williams and Rafael Nadal at the 2010 Wimbledon championships.
By ATP staff
To celebrate the end of Rafael Nadal’s historic career in this week’s Davis Cup Final 8, ATPTour.com is publishing a series of articles honoring the Spaniard. Watch our #RafaSiempre series.
After Rafael Nadal’s last match on Tuesday in the Davis Cup Final 8 in Malaga, many tennis legends, including Rod Laver, Serena Williams and Roger Federer, applauded the Spanish stars on social media.
There has also been an outpouring of praise from celebrities outside of tennis. Messages like that of former soccer star David Beckham are indicative of Nadal’s passing through the sport.
Rafa, watching you compete was a privilege. Your legacy will always be one of the greatest to ever grace the game. Thank you for countless unforgettable moments and setting a high standard that will inspire generations to come. I wish you happiness and… pic.twitter.com/gOgGAS7VCC
– Rod Laver (@rodlaver) November 20, 2024
Come on, @RafaelNadal!
As you get ready to graduate from tennis, I have a few things to share before I get too emotional.
Let’s start with the obvious: you beat me—by a lot. Moreover, I was able to defeat you. He challenged me in ways no one else could. In the mud, it feels like…
– Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) November 19, 2024
From one sports icon to another ❤️
David Beckham with a heartfelt gift for retired Rafael Nadal.#graciasrafa #daviscup pic.twitter.com/2MDh72vWM8
– Davis Cup (@DavisCup) November 19, 2024
Habrá muchas más Davis, Rafa solo hay uno ❤️ Gracias has time to change 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
So much 😭 https://t.co/co3YK4rp6C
— Iga Światek (@iga_swiatek) November 19, 2024
Simply GRACIAS RAFA!!! 🫶#Nadali pic.twitter.com/TQZyHauHfZ
— Juan M. del Potro (@delpotrojuan) November 19, 2024
Today, I am from Spain 🇪🇸 #rafa
– Coco Gauff (@CocoGauff) November 19, 2024
