“It is obviously a difficult decision and one that has taken me some time to make,” said Rafael Nadal, announcing his retirement, following the Davis Cup finals in Malaga, Spain, on Thursday. In the heartfelt video, the Spaniard opened up about his past few “difficult” years and the physical limitations that compelled him to take the decision, making fans teary-eyed. As the curtain falls on his storied career, Roger Federer, Novak Djoković, and others paid their tributes. Now, Eurosport expert, Boris Becker has come forward to detail Nadal’s “right” decision.

Following Nadal’s retirement announcement, the German former World No. 1 took to his X and revealed how Nadal has come “a full circle” in the tennis world! Besides appreciating his incredible victories, the 56-year-old praised his distinct playing style. To him, Nadal is the epitome of “commitment” and “determination” and is a player who is always ready to put in some extra effort. “We salute/honour the man from Mallorca! Vamos Rafa,” Becker commented on the 38-year-old’s retirement post. But why does Becker think it’s the right call when Rafa’s fans are clamoring for more of him on the court?

During an October 11 interview with Eurosport, Becker expressed his disappointment over Rafa’s retirement announcement, calling it as “a punch in the gut.” However, he ultimately believes “the decision is the right one.” “What hasn’t Rafael Nadal won?, Boris asked himself and those around him. “He was world No. 1 for 209 weeks. He finished the year as No. 1 five times. Among the 22 titles were a whopping 14 Roland-Garros titles, he also won every other Grand Slam at least twice. There are no real numbers.”

Despite reaching heights in his career, over the last couple of years, Nadal’s consistent hip injuries resulted in a slump in his performance. Even after taking a hiatus last year, Nadal has remained titleless so far this season. Moreover, earlier this year, he opened up about his potential retirement as well and even received some great farewell tributes in Rome and Madrid after his last matches there. However, now as it is approaching closer, much like fans, Becker, (who met Nadal during the latter’s teenage years), is finding it hard to digest the news. Rightly so!

As Nadal puts it, “but in this life, everything has a beginning and an end.” The six Grand Slam champion further pondered the imminent end of the ‘Big Three’ era in tennis. While Djokovic is balancing his physical challenges and competing for both national titles and Grand Slams, Federer retired two years ago, leaving fans with a memorable career. “Then, of course, you have to look at his opponents. Federer is one of them, Djokovic is one of them, so the end of the Big Three is near,” Becker continued.

Nonetheless, Becker further added how he was highly impressed with Nadal’s playing style (with both hands on his forehands) when they first met (through Uncle Toni). Furthermore, Becker, who retired two years before Nadal turned pro, opened up on what makes the King of Clay different from every other player!

Becker reveals what sets Rafael Nadal apart

A few months ago, Becker revealed how Rafael Nadal’s decision to retire is a very “personal” one, and urged people to give him the space he needs. But he also wished how it should all come to a nice end. Now that the day is approaching soon, Becker made sure to share some heartfelt words for Nadal. “What really has to be emphasised is what sets him apart: his uncompromising attitude, his ambition, his motivation, his willingness to fight.”

Per him, Nadal’s consistent performance, even in the face of adversity, highlights his tenacity in producing high-quality tennis skills on-court. He also added, “Yes, the tennis world will miss him, of course. He’s not just a tennis icon, he’s a sports icon.” Becker also explained how Nadal’s determination to consistently enhance his performance, tackle losses and triumphs, and hunger make him different from all the other players.

Becker believes that Nadal’s “vigour and passion” is what set him apart during his career. Not just Nadal, Becker explained, “That’s actually what sets all the Big Three apart.” At the end, Becker couldn’t control his emotions as he said, “As I always say so beautifully at the end: ¡Vamos Rafa!” Much like Becker, we are all teary-eyed to bid adieu to the ONE, who is not just a “tennis icon”, but a “sports icon”, aren’t we?