To celebrate the end of Rafael Nadal's historic career at this week's Davis Cup Final 8, ATPTour.com is publishing a series of articles paying tribute to the Spaniard. View our #RafaSiempre series.
Following Rafael Nadal’s final match on Tuesday at the Davis Cup Final 8 in Malaga, a host of tennis legends, including Rod Laver, Serena Williams and Roger Federer, paid tribute to the Spanish great on social media.
There was also a considerable outpouring of praise from well-known figures from outside tennis. Messages such as one from former football superstar David Beckham are a reflection of the way Nadal has transcended sport.
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, 2024Vamos, @RafaelNadal!
As you get ready to graduate from tennis, I’ve got a few things to share before I maybe get emotional.
Let’s start with the obvious: you beat me—a lot. More than I managed to beat you. You challenged me in ways no one else could. On clay, it felt like I…
From one sporting icon to another ❤️
David Beckham with a heartfelt tribute to the retiring Rafael Nadal.#graciasrafa #daviscup pic.twitter.com/2MDh72vWM8
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, 2024Too much 😭 https://t.co/co3YK4rp6C
— Iga Świątek (@iga_swiatek) November 19, 2024Simplemente GRACIAS RAFA!!! 🫶#Nadal pic.twitter.com/TQZyHauHfZ
— Juan M. del Potro (@delpotrojuan) November 19, 2024today, I am from spain 🇪🇸 #rafa
— Coco Gauff (@CocoGauff) November 19, 2024[NEWSLETTER FORM]