WATCH: Serena Williams wears Rafael Nadal’s gear in a special retirement tribute
Serena Williams and Rafael Nadal were recently seen carrying the Olympic torch at the Paris Olympics in July.
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Serena Williams paid tribute to Rafael Nadal (via X)
Serena Williams paid tribute to Rafael Nadal’s incredible career with a heartfelt video. The 23-time Grand Slam champion expressed her admiration while wearing a Nadal t-shirt and his iconic headband.
Nadal is retiring after playing in the Davis Cup Finals, marking the end of his legendary journey in professional tennis. He lost his singles match to Botic van de Zandschulp but might return to action if Spain progresses further in the tournament.
This week, Nadal is representing Spain for the final time in a Davis Cup quarter-final against the Netherlands. The 38-year-old’s farewell has drawn widespread attention, with fans and players alike celebrating his achievements.
@rafaelnadal Congratulations on a career that most wont dare to dream of. I feel so fortunate to have been able to play when you were playing and being Great. You inspired me to be better, to play harder, for fight, to never give up, and to win more. No excuses just play the sport. You legacy will never die. Wow to see your career from the beginning to today was an honor Champ! Long live Rafa! #rafanadal
Serena Williams on her Instagram account
Ahead of the match, Nadal’s rivals and colleagues shared messages honoring his legacy. Williams joined the tributes with an emotional Instagram video and several tweets. She was also among the Nike athletes who received a special Nadal t-shirt as part of the retirement celebrations.
Maria Sharapova pours her heart out for Rafael Nadal in a special tribute
Five-time Grand Slam champion Maria Sharapova has written an emotional farewell tribute to Rafael Nadal on her Instagram story. The Russian star praised the left-hander’s incredible competitive spirit throughout his illustrious career.
No one like you, Rafa. I have so much respect for your grit, your love of the ‘fight’, and the pure class with which you showed up, even on a tough day.
Maria Sharapova on her Instagram story
Maria Sharapova’s message to Rafa Nadal:
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) November 19, 2024
“No one like you, Rafa.
I have so much respect for your grit, your love of the 'fight', and the pure class with which you showed up, even on a tough day. 🤍” pic.twitter.com/ys9ko9kzrJ
Sharapova retired in 2020, four years after her tennis career was disrupted by a doping scandal. Although she returned to the tour, she was never able to regain the form that earned her five Grand Slam titles and the No. 1 ranking in the world.
When Sharapova retired, Nadal was one of the first players to congratulate her on her career. He spoke about how she inspired countless athletes globally and highlighted her role as a significant ambassador for women’s sports.
Now, their roles have reversed. The 22-time Grand Slam champion appears to have played the final singles match of his career, losing to Botic van de Zandschulp in the Davis Cup on Tuesday, November 19.
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Fahad Hamid
(593 Articles Published)