A 23-year legacy in tennis ends as Rafael Nadal hangs up his racquet. His farewell at the Davis Cup sent goosebumps across the world as fans watched the Spanish GOAT represent his country for the last time. This full-circle moment began in 2004 and concluded on November 19 after Spain lost to the Netherlands. However, a few faces were missing at the Martin Carpena Arena, and Novak Djokovic was one of them! ‘The Nole’ promised to be present at the Davis Cup to watch his rival one last time, but with Spain out of contention, he missed the chance to see Rafa to the end of the tournament. However, Djokovic made up for it in his own way!

“Rafa, congratulations on your amazing career. Your family, your team, and yourself should be extremely proud of everything that you have achieved,” Novak stated during his tribute on the Davis Cup Instagram. The two legends debuted around the same time, but their first encounter took place on Nadal’s favorite court at Roland Garros in 2006. Unsurprisingly, Nadal won that match, but what followed was a legacy of rivalry and friendship that Novak feels “very honored and thrilled” to have experienced.

Their last encounter was at the Paris Olympic Games this July, but Novak Djokovic fondly reminisced about the off-court moments he will miss most: “In the tennis locker room, we will miss your warm-ups, your sprints, your jumps, your incredibly competitive parchis. The games that you had with your team before your matches.” Nadal’s warm-ups are renowned for their uniqueness and intensity; a 2019 video from the US Open showcased his routine, featuring prolonged wall sits and unique sprinting “dance moves.” One can only imagine the “fun” moments Novak refers to!

Nadal has left an indelible mark on the sport and its fans, starting organizations like the Rafa Nadal Foundation and the Rafa Nadal Tennis Academy to help aspiring athletes kickstart their careers. “You inspired millions of children around the world to grab a tennis racquet,” Novak added. True to this sentiment, top players like Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek have shared how watching Rafa as a kid motivated them to pursue tennis.

Rafa brought something truly special to the court, as Novak Djokovic said, “Your tenacity, your fighting spirit, the energy that you brought every single time.” These qualities are reflected in his two Olympic gold medals, 92 titles, and 22 Grand Slam victories, including an astounding 14 French Open titles. Nadal has proven himself a force to be reckoned with.

Despite their fierce rivalry and intense moments on the court, Djokovic offered nothing but well wishes for Rafa’s future: “Thank you very much and good luck, my friend.” Now that the Davis Cup is yet to end, the world bids goodbye to the legend. However, while many icons were absent on the day, they took the time to convey their messages, each special in its own way.

Stars joining Novak Djokovic to congratulate Rafa on his journey

As the crowd serenaded Rafael Nadal with chants of “Rafa,” many famed athletes took to social media to express their admiration for the tennis legend. Boris Becker praised Nadal as “one of the most iconic sportsmen ever,” reflecting on the unforgettable moments he provided on the court. His heartfelt message resonated with fans and players alike.

From the WTA side, Serena Williams also shared her thoughts, emphasizing Nadal’s unique talent. On her Instagram, Williams stated, “I think so many people always wanted to figure out how to be like Rafa, but no one could. Winning so many Grand Slams on one surface is unheard of. He’s a once-in-a-lifetime incredible athlete.” Her touching tribute underscored the impact Nadal had not just on the sport but on his fellow competitors.

Roger Federer, too, penned a heartfelt letter to Nadal, blending their fierce rivalry with genuine friendship. He opened with “Vamos, Rafa!” and reflected on how Nadal pushed him to new heights. Federer humorously noted Nadal’s famous rituals, like assembling water bottles and adjusting his hair, saying, “Secretly, I kind of loved it. Because it was so unique—it was so you.”

With Nadal’s retirement, the tennis world feels a profound shift as one of its greatest legends steps away from the game.