Novak Djokovic recently gave a heartfelt tribute to Rafael Nadal, expressing gratitude for their intense rivalry following the Spaniard’s retirement announcement. Djokovic’s note later prompted a heartwarming response from five-time Major champion Maria Sharapova.
Nadal shocked the tennis world on Thursday by announcing his retirement date. The 38-year-old will make his final appearance representing Spain at the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga next month, scheduled for November 19 to 24. Spain is set to face the Netherlands in the quarterfinals.
Nadal recently shared an emotional video across various social media platforms, announcing his retirement. The 22-time Major champion attributed his decision to years of struggles and physical limitations. He thanked his rivals, team, family, and fans for their support throughout his remarkable journey.
While the Mallorcan received several heartfelt messages from the tennis community, his longtime rival Novak Djokovic also shared a touching note on Instagram. Accompanied by several photos of the two together, Djokovic lauded Nadal’s impact on tennis, emphasizing his inspiration to millions of young players.
“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,” Djokovic wrote.
Furthermore, the Serb expressed gratitude to Nadal for the challenges their rivalry presented, which greatly influenced his growth as a player.
“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,” he added.
Former World No. 1 Maria Sharapova later expressed her reaction in the comments, writing:
“Respect”
“Definitely, he comes in front”: Novak Djokovic on his rivalry with Rafael Nadal
In an interview with Tennis TV earlier this year, Novak Djokovic named Rafael Nadal as his biggest rival. The 24-time Major champion emphasized that their competitive relationship will persist as long as both players continue to compete.
“I can’t take anybody else but Nadal as my biggest rival. As long as Nadal is playing, as long as I’m playing Nadal is always my biggest rival,” he said.
Djokovic added that their longstanding rivalry transcends rankings and current tour events.
“Regardless of the rankings or what’s going on the tour. Just because of the history of our rivalry and everything… Nadal and myself go back a long time, so, definitely, he comes in front,” he added.
Djokovic and Nadal have faced each other sixty times on tour. The Serb, however, narrowly leads the head-to-head, which improved to 31-29 following their last encounter at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The 37-year-old defeated Nadal in straight sets, knocking him out of the tournament. He subsequently went on to win his first gold medal at the quadrennial event.
