Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic Pay Tribute to Retiring Rafael Nadal: “Your Legacy Will Live Forever”.

 

Tennis legends Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic shared heartfelt tributes to Rafael Nadal as the 22-time Grand Slam champion announced his plans to retire. The emotional messages from the 20-time and 24-time Grand Slam winners highlighted Nadal’s “tenacity, dedication, and fighting spirit,” acknowledging the impact he has had on the sport.

Upon hearing the news of Nadal's retirement, Federer, who retired in 2022, expressed his deep admiration for his longtime rival. Commenting on Nadal's Instagram post, Federer wrote, "What a career, Rafa! I always hoped this day would never come. Thank you for the unforgettable memories and all your incredible achievements in the game we love. It’s been an absolute honor!" He later shared a series of nostalgic photos on Instagram Stories, showcasing moments from their iconic rivalry—from their early matches in 2004 to their legendary 2008 Wimbledon final and their final doubles match together at the Laver Cup in 2022.

Djokovic, currently competing at the Rolex Shanghai Masters, also shared an emotional post on Instagram, calling Nadal “the rival who impacted me the most as a player.” Accompanied by photos of their on-court battles and personal moments off the court, Djokovic praised Nadal’s influence on tennis. “Rafa, one post is not enough to express the respect I have for you and what you have done for our sport. Your tenacity, dedication, and fighting spirit will be taught for decades. Your legacy will live forever."

Djokovic also expressed gratitude for the intense rivalry they shared, adding, “Thank you for pushing me to the very limit so many times.” He confirmed that he will attend Nadal’s farewell at the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga, where Nadal is expected to play for Spain alongside rising star Carlos Alcaraz.

Together, Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic, known as the "Big Three," dominated men’s tennis for nearly two decades, winning 65 of the 79 Grand Slam titles between 2004 and 2023. With Federer retiring in 2022 and Nadal set to follow by the end of 2024, Djokovic will be the last active member of the trio as they leave behind an indelible mark on tennis history.