The Spanish champion announced on social networks that he was stopping his career at the end of November. Information that sparked reactions.
The announcement set the world of sport, and more particularly that of tennis, in turmoil. This Thursday, October 10, Rafael Nadal 38, revealed to his fans on his social networks that he would stop his career after the final phase of the Davis Cup which will be held from November 19 to 24 in Malaga.
“Hello everyone, I am here to announce that I am retiring from professional tennis. The reality is that it has been a difficult few years, especially the last two. I think I’m no longer capable of playing without limits. It’s a difficult decision that took me a while to make. But in life everything has a beginning and an end and I think this is the right time to put an end to a career that has been long and much more successful than I could have imagined. I am very happy that my last tournament will be the Davis Cup final representing my country…”Rafael Nadal declared in front of the camera in a video bringing together some of the highlights of his career.
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After the retirement of Roger Federer in September 2022, a new page turns with the departure of the 38-year-old player who has an incredible track record. With his 22 Grand Slam titles including 14 Roland-Garros, he left his mark on the history of world tennis.
Many tennis fans from the media world reacted to this news, including Cyril Hanouna. The host of “Touche pas à mon poste!” on C8 published a photo on his Instagram account in which he poses with Rafael Nadal with this word in Spanish: « Goodbye Champion » which means « Adieu champion » with the song The best by Tina Turner in background.
Thomas Sotto, a big fan of Roger Federer, also paid tribute to the Spanish champion on the social network. “What a champion!” Respect, Rafa. The best matches will now be watched at the tennis retirement home. One day, we will appreciate what Rafa, Rog and Novak have brought to this sport. And the incredible luck we had to have been able to witness this blessed time”wrote the journalist who has hosted the RTL morning show since the start of the school year.
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Laurent Luyat, an early supporter of Rafael Nadal, also wrote a message on his X account in reaction to the video posted by the Spanish player: “What can I say! If not our emotion. And thank you above all! » but also “There will be memories left” with photos where he poses with his idol.
Nikos Aliagas saluted Rafael Nadal’s long career by posting a black and white photo he had taken of the tennis player with this word in Spanish on his Instagram account: «Thank you for all these years of dreams» which means in the language of Molière “Thank you for all these years of dreams”.
Singer Vianney, coach in “The Voice” and big tennis fan, also wanted to pay tribute to Rafael Nadal in a story on Instagram. “I have no words, but he found the right ones. Thank you for EVERYTHING Rafa, you are the most inspiring of all. »
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At Pascal Praud’s microphone, Gérard Holtz, who followed many of the Spaniard’s exploits on Parisian clay, spoke about the player. “Nadal was a bit like Doctor Jekyll and Mister Hyde (…) because as much as he was a warrior on the court (…) with a Viking mentality, never giving up anything, no point. (…) And then in life, a kindness… He arrives on the set of France Télévisions, he goes to say hello and the makeup artist, he goes around the set to greet the cameramen one after the other others with a smile.”
