The everlasting rivals, with whom he shared part of his life, with whom and because of whom he rewrote the historical past of tennis: Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray appeared on the massive display screen of the Palacio de Deportes José María Martín Carpena to rejoice the profession of one of many best legends of the game: Rafael Nadal. Among the many many athletes who celebrated the Spaniard legend for his tennis farewell, the opposite three Fab 4 couldn’t be missed.
“Congratulations on an unbelievable profession. It was a pleasure to play with you and in opposition to you. Certainly one of my favourite reminiscences is the Wimbledon remaining while you beat me,” stated his buddy and rival Federer, sportingly talking of the epic remaining of the Wimbledon Championships 2008, and in opposition to whom Nadal performed 40 matches (Rafa leads 24-16).
“Your tenacity, your preventing spirit, the vitality and power you introduced will likely be studied and handed on to many, many generations. It was an honor to be your rival. Your complete tennis world and the sports activities world on the whole will miss the unbelievable vitality you confirmed on the court docket,” stated the Serbian champion, in opposition to whom Rafa performed 60 official matches (Nole leads 31-29).
Murray was amused to recall that he had by no means seen the Spaniard break a racket, however when it got here to PlayStation matches, issues went in a different way!
“Hello Rafa. I wished to ship you a fast message to say congratulations on the unbelievable profession you’ve got had. I’ve at all times been an enormous fan of yours and it has been superb watching you, coaching with you and competing in opposition to you over time. The eagerness and depth you confirmed not solely in matches but in addition in coaching is one thing that has impressed each participant. We have discovered quite a bit from you: to be humble, to work onerous and most significantly, to respect everybody. You are in all probability the one tennis participant who has by no means damaged a racket. That did not occur while you had been enjoying PlayStation! I’ve seen you break joysticks all around the world. Take pleasure in your retirement, mate,” joked emotionally the Scot, in opposition to whom Nadal gained 17 matches in 24 challenges performed.
