The day after his final match after an exceptional career of more than twenty years, the ATP paid a beautiful tribute to Rafael Nadal through a moving 15-minute video. This video brings together tennis legends, current players, and other sports personalities, all united to celebrate the man with 22 Grand Slam titles.
Obviously, Roger Federer, Nadal's long-time friend and adversary, is the first to speak in the video. After publishing an open letter on his social networks to pay tribute to the “Bull of Manacor”, the Swiss returns to the impact of Nadal, saluting not only his genius on the courts but also the man he is outside the court. ground. Federer also discusses Nadal's investment through his Academy and his foundation, showing that his legend goes far beyond tennis.
For Novak Djokovic, his biggest rival on the court with 60 face-to-face on the clock, Rafael Nadal will remain “probably the most intense tennis player the sport has known“. He describes the Mallorcan as a tireless player, full of “tenacity” et “energy“, who has “gave his best from the first to the last match“. The Serbian, in a friendly wink and jokingly, even thanks him for having it.”let him win Roland-Garros“, he who won the French Open 14 times.
Carlos Alcaraz, the new rising star of world tennis, confides that Rafael Nadal was “one of the reasons he became a professional tennis player“. Alcaraz, expressed his gratitude to his now former teammate in the Spanish team, emphasizing that “it was a privilege to have been able to share moments” with him.
Youth idols of Andrey Rublev, the Russian recalls his early years as a young player, when he tried to copy Nadal in every aspect of his game: “When I was little, I tried to copy you. From your outfit, to your racket, to your playing techniques. Because you were my idol“. Stefanos Tsitsipas also highlights Nadal's influence, calling him “source of inspiration in his young career“.
Even the best tried to be inspired by him. Serena Williams, who shared many moments with Nadal, considers him “the most iconic legend“that she had ever seen.”I wanted to do everything like him, I wanted to move like him, I wanted to play like him. I couldn't do it all, but I tried“, jokes the former world number 1. For Serena, Nadal is not only an exceptional player, but a real “reference“.
Beyond his tennis exploits and his “incredible career“, Rafael Nadal left his mark with his humility, as Andy Murray pointed out. The Scotsman, who also ended his career this year, stressed that Nadal is “certainly the only player in the world to have never broken a racket“.
For Brazilian football legend Ronaldo, Nadal was a “champion on and off the court“. He boasts of his “incredible passion, discipline, resilience… all the ingredients to be a great champion“. A collective tribute which testifies to the impact of Rafael Nadal, who, through his longevity, his intensity and his exemplary character, marked the history of tennis and sport in general.
