The curtains got here down on Rafael Nadal’s profession after the Spanish star’s defeat to Botic van de Zandschulp within the David Cup quarterfinals conflict between Spain and the Netherlands.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion was given a farewell to recollect. The on-court, post-match ceremony to honor Nadal featured video highlights from his storied profession apart from recorded tributes from tennis gamers like Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Serena Williams apart from stars from different sports activities like David Beckham.
However what took the cake was Andy Murray’s tribute.
Whereas praising Nadal, Murray highlighted how the Spaniard was a uncommon tennis participant to throw his tennis racquet.
Rafael Nadal’s illustrious profession got here to an finish with a defeat in a Davis Cup quarter-finals tie on Tuesday. (Reuters)
“We’ve additionally realized a lot from you over time about humility, arduous work, and respect for everyone. You’re in all probability the one tennis participant ever to have by no means thrown a racket in anger, which is unbelievable,” Murray stated within the video earlier than cheekily including: “Nevertheless, this wasn’t the case if you would lose at PlayStation. I’ve seen Rafa throwing PlayStation controllers round lodge rooms everywhere in the world when he and his shut pal Juan Monaco would lose a late purpose to me together with his beloved Actual Madrid at Professional Evolution Soccer.”
Watch: Murray’s tribute to Nadal
“I’ve seen Rafa throwing PlayStation controllers round lodge rooms everywhere in the world” 🎮
A cute anecdote from @andy_murray about his good pal and PES rival @RafaelNadal #DavisCup #GraciasRafa #nadal pic.twitter.com/BexHOEP7EA
— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) November 20, 2024
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“I’ve all the time been an enormous fan of yours and it has been unbelievable to look at you, to practise with you, and get the prospect to compete towards you for all these years since we first met as 13 and 14-year-old children,” Murray stated.
“The eagerness and depth you performed with, not simply on the match courtroom, however on the practise courtroom was one thing I believe all tennis gamers aspire to and what all tennis followers will bear in mind you for. I’m certain your physique is wanting ahead to a effectively earned relaxation. Take pleasure in retirement, mate.”