Rafael Nadal’s era is coming to an end. After much discussion about his retirement, the Mallorcan legend finally announced it. However, this news struck a chord with the fraternity. They realized they would never witness his legendary performances on the Paris clay court again, the tournament where he won 14 titles over the span of his 18-year-long career. Following the announcement, a Roland Garros announcer drops an interesting act showing the scintillating popularity of the Mallorcan legend.

Marc Maury, a former rugby player, a French decathlete, and an announcer offered an interesting act during Nadal’s retirement. Nadal, who won 22 Grand Slams, announced his retirement yesterday with his followers in a heartwarming video. He confirmed, taking permanent leave from the sport after this season, which will be effective after the Davis Cup final. “I think the time has come to end my career, which has been long and much more successful than I could have imagined,” Nadal tweeted on X. Nadal faced challenges with his form for the last two years. Despite that, the Mallorcan legend confirmed participating in the Davis Cup’s final phase in Malaga, 20 years after winning the title in Seville. Nadal believed it was his way of “coming full circle.”

After Nadal shared his heartbreaking news, Marc Maury came forward with his adorable gratitude message for Rafa. He served as an official announcer at many sports events for thirty years. His voice became iconic for sports events, like Monaco and Roland Garros, where he was the tournament’s official announcer since 2004. Maury announced Nadal’s name in his iconic style one last time, knowing that the Spaniard’s footsteps wouldn’t grace Paris’ clay court again. “RAFAAAEEEEEL… NADAAAAAAAAAL!” as he announced in his iconic voice, Nadal’s supporters could relive the moment of the legend’s arrival one more time.

“After hearing Rafa Nadal’s retirement news, Marc Maury, who does the player entrances for Roland Garros, announces Rafa one last time: ‘RAFAAAEEEEEL… NADAAAAAAAAAL!’ The fact we will never hear this sound again at Roland Garros is so sad,” tweeted ‘The Tennis Letter’ with the video. Apart from tennis, Maury hosted French Rugby Team Tours, the World Handball Cup, the Ice Hockey Championships, and wrestling championships. Maury also served as the Master of Ceremonies for Peace and Sports Awards Ceremony. His tribute to the Spaniard meant a lot to his supporters, highlighting Nadal’s great fan following in France.

On the other hand, Novak Djokovic had the sweetest message for his rival for two decades. Despite their fierce on-court battle, Djokovic expressed his great admiration and respect for his Spanish colleague in an adorable social media tribute.

Novak Djokovic emphasizes on “respect” while tributing Rafael Nadal

“One post is not enough to express the respect I have for you and what you have done for our sport,” Djokovic began his gratitude post after Rafa’s retirement news. “You have inspired millions of children to start playing tennis and I think that’s probably the greatest achievement anyone can wish for. Your tenacity, dedication, fighting spirit is going to be taught for decades,” the Serb continued, showing how much he admired Nadal despite their rivalry. He also added a selfie of them together, emphasizing their bond.

After Federer, Nadal’s retirement saddened the fraternity as they lost two among their Big Three. “Your legacy will live forever, Only you know what you had to endure to become an 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,” Djokovic concluded, expressing his love for his colleague.

Rafael Nadal might not be seen on the court next year, but his legacy will be carried by the brilliance of his next-generation athletes. His indomitable spirit will inspire generations no matter what. That’s why, despite retirement, Rafael Nadal will rule our hearts for centuries.