Oct 11, V7N- As Rafael Nadal prepares to retire after an illustrious 23-year career, fellow tennis professionals from various eras have come together to celebrate his immense legacy. Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam champion and holder of a record 14 Roland Garros titles, has profoundly influenced the sport. At 38, he is at peace with his decision to retire after the Davis Cup next month, where he will partner with his protégé, Carlos Alcaraz, on home soil.

Alcaraz, the reigning French Open champion and a rising star, has long admired Nadal. Reflecting on their partnership at the Paris Olympics earlier this year, Alcaraz expressed disbelief at Nadal's retirement announcement. Nadal’s influence inspired him to become a professional tennis player. "He has been my idol since I started playing tennis," Alcaraz said, adding that it is difficult to accept that the tennis world will soon lose one of its greatest players.

Nadal’s longtime rival, Novak Djokovic, with whom he shared 60 thrilling matches, praised Nadal's relentless spirit. Djokovic acknowledged that Nadal's greatest legacy is his ability to inspire millions of children worldwide to take up tennis. He thanked Nadal for pushing him to the limit, which, he said, shaped him as a player.

Young players, such as world number one Jannik Sinner, emphasized the values they have learned from Nadal, including his humility and sportsmanship. Sinner noted that Nadal taught the younger generation how to face tough situations on the court with grace and that he remained grounded despite his tremendous success.

Women’s tennis stars like Ons Jabeur, Maria Sakkari, and Coco Gauff also expressed their admiration for Nadal. Gauff, who was not even born when Nadal turned professional, took to social media to thank him for his inspirational work ethic and greatness.

Perhaps the most poignant tribute came from Swiss legend Roger Federer, Nadal's greatest rival and close friend. Federer, with whom Nadal shared many unforgettable matches, said, "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!"

Nadal’s impact on tennis is indelible, and his legacy will continue to shape the sport for generations to come.

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