The internet might just break following Rafael Nadal‘s emotional farewell from tennis. His admirers and counterparts have finally gripped on the perfect occasion to heap praise on the Spaniard’s glorious career – one that is house to 22 Grand Slam titles, including a jaw-dropping 14 Roland Garros wins. With the ‘King of Clay’ gone, an ex-pro has chimed in to deliver a heartfelt tribute to Rafa’s impressive run on the ATP.

Nadal inspired a bulk load of youngsters who aimed to reach the highest levels of the sport. So, naturally, his retirement announcement came as a major blow. He aired his impending retirement on October 10, confirming that his last dance will come at the Davis Cup Final 8 in Malaga wearing Spanish colors. However, his final bid to bring glory back home didn’t produce the ideal result. He lost the quarterfinal singles match opener to Dutchman Botic Van de Zandschulp – helping team Netherlands advance to the last four with a 2-1 triumph.

What came next was his emotional farewell to the home crowd in Malaga. The Spaniard even addressed fans with a heartfelt take on his legacy saying, “The way I would like to be remembered is a good person from a small village in Mallorca”. While the crowd serenaded him with ‘Rafa’ chants, famed athletes who couldn’t attend his final moments on the professional circuit later took to their respective social media handles and described how Nadal stood out for them, and, of course, highlighted his impact on the sport.

Subsequently, Boris Becker made that list and notably showered high praise on the former ATP world ranking leader. The German sensation took to his X and noted the generational talent was “One of the most iconic sportsmen ever, sadly left the game of tennis. You gave us unbelievable moments on court that will be remembered forever. A deep sense of gratitude from me and anybody that loves the game.”

And, he wasn’t the only one in awe of the Spaniard. His longtime rival and friend Roger Federer penned a heartfelt letter to him, and a legendary women’s player couldn’t help but reserve words of admiration for Nadal.

Serena Williams extends touching tribute to Rafael Nadal

The likes of Serena Williams, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, and Novak Djokovic all came from the same generation. While some fans wouldn’t know how Nadal turned the ATP upside down with his early entry into the tour-level events, his counterparts including Williams presented a vivid picture of how things looked back then, and, also, heaped praise on the Spaniard.

Taking to her official Instagram handle, the American sensation expressed: “I think so many people always wanted to figure out how to be like Rafa but no one could. I could never win so many Grand Slams on one surface like that is unheard of. He’s once in a lifetime incredible athlete. I will miss watching you. Wishing you so much luck and success and all the best.”

Fans know better than to think this was the last of it. Players have only begun paying their respects, loading social media with praises on Nadal’s laudable journey.