How will the Big Four and the world of tennis remember Rafael Nadal?

Carlos Navarro | 21 Nov 2024 | 13.15

Rafael Nadal. Source: Getty

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The tribute that Rafael Nadal received at the Martín Carpena, perhaps, fell short for us. Far from the height and legacy that the legend leaves behind. Cold, icy, failing to do justice to the passion, dedication, and energy he displayed in every match on a tennis court. There were missing key figures and, perhaps, depth in their messages... so the ATP took action: just a few hours later, the tennis governing body released a tribute video with intimate testimonies from rivals and friends. Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray... what will they remember about Rafael Nadal? What message do they want to convey before he starts a new chapter in his life? The protagonists speak, and they do so emotionally.

ROGER FEDERER

"One word to describe you, Rafa, would be... kind. Your dominance and records on clay, I believe and hope will never be matched. Your resilience, your toughness, everything has been incredible. I also want to highlight how you have become an idol for many children around the world. And, of course, and perhaps most importantly for me, we must highlight your off-court activities, the incredible work you do with your Academy, which is beautiful, and your Foundation. You have given back so much, and I am sure you will continue to do so in the future.

My best memories related to Rafa, I think I should start with the Foundation, with the laughter we shared and how we helped through charity, that is one of my best memories. Of course, the Wimbledon 2008 final, when you beat me. It is likely our favorite match. Lastly, also the Laver Cup doubles, we were able to team up, and I was able to retire by your side. Those have been unforgettable moments. All the best, Rafa. Congratulations on your incredible career. It has been a pleasure and a privilege to play with you and against you. I know you have the upper hand in golf right now, but I will try to catch up so you don't beat me like you did on the tennis courts. Enjoy the moment and take care, Rafa".

NOVAK DJOKOVIC

"Rafa has many incredible legacies that he will leave us. His achievements, historically, are incredible. His tenacity, his intensity, the energy he always showed on the court from the first match to the last. He is probably the most intense, in a positive sense, tennis player we have ever witnessed. His fighting spirit is incomparable. My best story related to Rafa, privately, is probably that afternoon together when I saw him dance in Colombia in 2011, when we played an exhibition match together. Professionally, I remember when he let me beat him for the first time at Roland Garros. Thank you, Rafa (smiles)".

ANDY MURRAY

"The passion and intensity with which you played, not only during matches but also in training sessions, was something all tennis players aspired to and something all fans will remember you for. I just wanted to send you a message to congratulate you on an incredible career. I have always been a big fan of yours: it has been amazing to watch you compete, train together, and share the court on many occasions since we met when we were 13 or 14 years old. We have also learned a lot from you: humility, hard work, and above all, respect for everyone. You are probably the only tennis player who has never thrown a racket in anger. However, that wasn't the case when we played PlayStation: I have seen Rafa smash controllers in hotels all over the world, especially when he and his good friend Juan Monaco lost a match against me due to a late goal, playing with their beloved Real Madrid in Pro Evolution Soccer. Thank you for everything, Rafa, enjoy your retirement".

CARLOS ALCARAZ

"Rafa, I can only thank you for everything you have done for our sport, for the legacy you leave us. I just want to thank you for inspiring the younger generation, for inspiring me: you are one of the reasons I am now a professional tennis player. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart: it was a privilege to have shared moments with you, on and off the court. I wish you all the best in your new chapter".

DANIIL MEDVEDEV

"This is a great moment for you, a great moment in your life and in your career. I just want to thank you for all these years, first watching you on TV, and then playing against you, sometimes in finals. I hope you enjoyed our battles as much as I did. You are a legend of this sport. What impressed me most about you when I was young was that we always said you were incredible on clay, but we thought: 'We'll see on grass, we'll see on hard court'. Then, of course, you showed that you could be better than anyone on any surface without it mattering, proved that you were better than anyone on many occasions. Congratulations, Rafa".

SERENA WILLIAMS

"Rafael Nadal, my goodness. That name is synonymous with legend, inspiration, strength. First and foremost, I have always admired Rafa and loved what he has achieved since he arrived on the circuit, with those long pirate pants that I thought were very cool and stylish (smiles). His strength, his arms... I was amazed by the size and strength of those arms, it was inspiring. I believe Rafa will always be one of the most iconic tennis players to ever play this sport. I remember watching your matches and thinking: 'I want to move like that, I want to play like that, I want to do this'. He is an unrepeatable tennis player, an unrepeatable athlete, a fantastic person, always incredibly kind on and off the court. I love Rafa's humility, it is absolutely incomparable! I will miss watching you play so much".