Novak Djokovic on Thursday shared a heartfelt message in response to tennis legend Rafael Nadal’s retirement announcement.
In a put up on social media, Djokovic wished Nadal the “very best farewell in Malaga with Davis Cup group of Spain.“
“You could have impressed hundreds of thousands of youngsters to begin taking part in tennis and I believe that’s in all probability best achievement anybody can want for. Your tenacity, dedication, and preventing spirit goes to be taught for many years. Your legacy will stay eternally,” Djokovic wrote.
“Solely you understand what you needed to endure to grow to be icon of tennis and sport typically. Thanks for pushing me to the very restrict so many occasions in our rivalry that has impacted me essentially the most as a participant,” he added.
Nadal, the 38-year-old Spaniard, will end his profession with 22 Grand Slam titles, the second most amongst males after Djokovic (24) within the Open Period.
Nadal and Djokovic have confronted one another 60 occasions previously, with the Serbian popping out on prime on 31 events. Notably, Nadal made historical past as essentially the most adorned participant in French Open historical past after beating Djokovic within the 2012 ultimate.
The final time they met was within the second spherical of the lads’s singles occasion on the Paris 2024 Olympics, the place Djokovic gained 6-1, 6-4.
Nadal will play his final match on the Davis Cup finals in Malaga in November.