Rafael Nadal Retires: Sports World Pays Tribute to the King of Clay, the 22-Time Grand Slam Champion

One of tennis' greatest icons has called time on his professional career. Rafael Nadal, a multiple Grand Slam champion, has announced his retirement from professional tennis. Following Roger Federer, another of the Big Three has retired from competitive tennis, leaving only one player in action. It's the end of an era for the Spaniard, who has won 22 Grand Slam titles and received numerous other accolades. As Rafa announces his retirement, the sports fraternity comes in unison to pay homage as Nadal caps off a legendary run in professional tennis.

Also Read: ‘It’s the Right Time’: 22-Time Grand Slam Champion Rafael Nadal Announces Retirement at Age 38

From Roger Federer to Ronaldo: Stars Show Up to Congratulate Rafael Nadal as He Retires

As the 'King of Clay' calls time in his illustrious career in professional tennis, several entities from various sporting disciplines have come forward to congratulate the 38-year-old tennis star. Rafa was almost untouchable on the clay court, and his dominance led to him securing 14 French Open titles. As he steps down, notable entities from the realm of tennis and other sporting disciplines have paid tribute to the iconic Spanish tennis player.

Roger Federer was the first to congratulate Rafael Nadal as he called time in his career "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 honour!,” he said.

"Rafa, what an incredible race you've had! Your dedication, passion and incredible talent have inspired millions around the world. It has been an honour to witness your journey and to be able to call you a friend. Congrats on an amazing career! Enjoy your retirement!,” Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo said as he wished Nadal well after he announced his retirement.

“Rafa, one post is not enough to express the respect I have for you and what you have done for our sport. You have inspired millions of children to start playing tennis and I think that’s probably greatest achievement anyone can wish for. Your tenacity, dedication, fighting spirit is going to be taught for decades. Your legacy will live forever. Only you know what you had to endure to become icon of tennis and sport in general.

"Thank you for pushing me to the very limit so many times in our rivalry that has impacted me the most as a player. Your passion for representing Spain has always been remarkable. I wish you best possible farewell in Malaga with Davis Cup team of Spain. I will be there in person to pay respect to your stellar career,” Novak Djokovic, one of Nadal's biggest rivals, said.

Also Read: 'Enjoy Your Retirement': Cristiano Ronaldo's Jaw-Dropping Comment on Rafael Nadal's Retirement Post

Apart from Ronaldo, Djokovic and Nadal, more athletes came forward to congratulate the King of Clay, Rafa.

"Rafa don't retire I wanna play you one last time. We had our differences but you were one hell of a warrior. Best wishes and good luck with whatever comes next,” Nick Krygos expressed his thoughts as he congratulated his arch-rival.

"Thank you Rafa for inspiring me and all of us. You will be missed,” former world number two Ons Jabeur said.

World Number One Jannik Sinner highlights the indelible mark that Nadal had over the tennis world. "It's tough news for, I think, all the tennis world, and not only the tennis world. What I can say, I was very lucky to get to know him also, like, you know, person's-wise, and he's an unbelievable person, we all saw how good he has been as a player, the lessons he taught us, the young players, how to behave on the court, how to handle situations on the court, tough situations. He gave to all of us a lot of emotions when we saw him playing," Sinner said.

Fiorentina Goalkeeper David de Gea expressed his thoughts with a simple yet meaningful message for his fellow Spanish athlete, saying, "You made me love tennis.”