Novak Djokovic says what he’ll remember about Rafael Nadal for a very ‘long time’ after his retirement
Novak Djokovic of Team Serbia (L) and Rafael Nadal of Team Spain pose for a photo ahead of the Men’s Singles second round match on day three of the…Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
Novak Djokovic says what he’ll remember about Rafael Nadal for a very ‘long time’ after his retirement
Novak Djokovic paid tribute to Rafael Nadal as the Spaniard announced his retirement.
Much of the Serbian’s career has been defined by historic matches with his great rival, who he played 60 times over the course of 18 years.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion certainly pushed Novak Djokovic to raise his level, as did Roger Federer in an era regarded by many as the greatest in tennis history.
The tributes have poured in for Nadal after he announced he will hang up his racket after the November’s Davis Cup finals, and one of those has come from Djokovic.
What did Novak Djokovic say to Rafael Nadal after his retirement announcement?
Rafael Nadal has played sparingly since January 2023 after sustaining a long-term hip injury at that year’s Australian Open.
He has struggled to stay fit in 2024 and now aged 38, Nadal has decided to bid farewell to tennis.
Many members of the tennis world have shared messages about the 22-time Grand Slam winner, including his biggest rival, Djokovic.
He appeared in a video released by Tennis TV featuring other players, and credited Nadal for his attitude and commitment to the game.
PARIS, FRANCE May 31. Winner Rafael Nadal of Spain is congratulated at the net by Novak Djokovic of Serbia on Court Philippe Chatrier after the sin…
Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images
“The intensity and the energy he brought to the courts, from the first match to the very last match is something that people will recognise and remember for a long time,” Djokovic said.
“He is probably in a good way the most intense tennis player that we have witnessed. His level of fighting spirit and professionalism is something that is outstanding. I think he’s got many other things that he will leave behind but those are at the top.”
Andy Murray pays tribute to Rafael Nadal after he announces his retirement
Another of Nadal’s biggest rivals who paid tribute is three-time Grand Slam winner and former World number one Andy Murray.
The pair played one another 24 times over the course of their careers, with Nadal emerging victorious on 17 occasions.
Murray appeared in the same video as Djokovic and said: “His attitude, his work ethic, the way he dealt with adversity, the way he dealt with losses, he just gets it.”
Nadal now joins Murray in retirement, after the Brit left the game following the end of his Paris Olympic Games campaign.
