Novak Djokovic has sent a classy message to Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Andy Murray and says a ‘part of me left with them’ amid their retirements.
Nadal, 38, will hang up his racket after the upcoming Davis Cup Finals in Malaga, with his last match possibly on November 19 if the Netherlands defeat Spain.
With Federer and Murray having already called time on their careers, it leaves Djokovic as the only player left from the Big Four era of professional men’s tennis.
‘I posted… You saw it on Instagram,’ Djokovic said on Friday. ‘I meant every word. [Nadal has] been my greatest rival. The rivalry I had with him has impacted me the most in my career by far.
‘We knew that the moment was coming sooner than later. But it’s still a shock. When it came officially, also for Roger a few years ago when he announced retirement… Andy as well this year… it’s a bit overwhelming for me to be honest.
‘I don’t know what to make of it. I still enjoy competing. But part of me left with them.. a big part of me. It’s tough news for the tennis world and sports world. Rafa has been an inspiration for tons of children around the world.’
Tributes have been flooding in for 22-time Grand Slam champion Nadal, including from 20-time major winner Federer and legendary footballer Cristiano Ronaldo.
The race for GOAT status in professional men’s tennis
Number of total Grand Slam singles titles:
- 24 – Novak Djokovic (still active)
- 22 – Rafael Nadal (set to retire in November 2024)
- 20 – Roger Federer (retired)
Djokovic, 37, enjoyed a blockbuster rivalry with Nadal and eventually moved past him for the most Grand Slam singles titles in the entire history of men’s tennis.
The Serbian posted on X: ‘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.’
Nadal has experienced several significant losses to Djokovic throughout his career.
The 2012 Australian Open final was particularly heartbreaking for Nadal, who suffered defeat after nearly six hours on the court, in what became one of the longest finals in Grand Slam history.
That will undoubtedly be among Nadal’s most painful career losses as well as his defeat to Djokovic at the Olympic Games in Paris earlier this year at his favourite location, Roland-Garros.
Nadal had been hoping to clinch a medal in one his last-ever professional events but 24-time major champion Djokovic beat him 6-1 6-4 – moving 31-29 up in their overall head-to-head – before going on to clinch singles gold himself.
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