by Roger Childs

I would like to be remembered as a good person from a small village in Mallorca. –Rafael Nadal, November 2024

One of the century’s greatest sportsmen

At the age of 38 the Spanish maestro has decided to retire. He would have liked to play on, but persistent injuries in recent years have meant he could not continue at his best.

Nevertheless he leaves an amazing legacy. Amongst his many achievements, the greatest has been his mastery of the clay surface and especially in the Roland Garros grand slam in Paris.

VICTORY BELONGS TO THE MOST TENACIOUS.

These famous words, attributed to World War One flying ace Roland Garros, are engraved high up on the Phillipe Chatrier Centre Court in French and English. Rafael Nadal’s incredible tenacity won him the French grand slam on that court an amazing 14 times. Surely this a record that will never be beaten.

A ferocious competitor on court and a humble man after the action

Coached by his uncle, the inscrutable Toni Nadal, Rafa has been a very disciplined player with a never-say-die attitude. He possessed breath-taking mobility, which enabled him to retrieve seemingly impossible returns and often ran round his backhand to hit powerful, tightly-angled forehands beyond the reach of his opponent.

His final grand slam victory – number 22 – was in the 2022 French Open when he beat Casper Ruud in three straight sets. The Norwegian actually broke Nadal’s second service game, contributed to many excellent rallies and scored many winners with his strong forehand. However, the Spaniard was not going to be denied yet another victory on his favourite court, and exhibited his superb retrieval skills, beautifully placed passing shots and strong forehand winners. His volleying and overhead were excellent and he swept Rudd away with his powerful returns and accurate serving in the third set in which he didn’t lose game.

This would be Rafa’s last hurrah as a Grand Slam victor.

Rafael Nadal is one of the world’s greatest ever athletes. His 22 Grand Slams put him two ahead of Roger Federer and only Novak Djokovic with 24 has bettered his total. The debate will continue as to who is the greatest tennis player of all time, however, most tennis fans are happy to acknowledge that the three legends have been in a class of their own and definitely a cut above the rest.

As well as his superb skills, fans enjoyed Rafa’s idiosyncrasies:

• touching his face in several places before serving
• placing his drink bottles by his seat just so
• folding his towel very tidily before serving
• being very careful where he walked prior to serving

• giving the Spanish shrug during interviews – legendary triathlete Mario Mola did the same!

• often adding “No?” to comments when being interviewed eg on Latvian Ernests Gilbis in 2014 Special player, no?

A selection of the scores of tributes from fellow players and other sports people—

You have inspired millions of children to start playing tennis, and I think that is probably the greatest achievement anyone can wish for. Your tenacity, dedication, fighting spirit is going to be taught for decades. Your legacy will live forever. –Novak Djokovic

What a career, Rafa! I always hoped this day would never come. Thank you for the unforgettable memories and all your incredible achievements in the game we love. It’s been an absolute honour. –Roger Federer

Among many titanic battles for the sport’s major prizes, the pair contested arguably ‘the greatest match ever played’ in the 2008 Wimbledon final. Nadal won 6-4 6-4 6-7 6-7 9-7.

Thank you very much for being an example at all levels, your legacy is unrepeatable. I’ve enjoyed you so much and will miss you so much when you quit after Davis Cup, Rafa! -=Carlos Alcaraz

It’s tough news for all the tennis world. I was very lucky to get to know him and he’s an unbelievable person. He gave to all of us a lot of emotions when we saw him playing. –Jannik Sinner

One of those perfect examples of how to do things on and off the court. –Ben Shelton

You are amazing! It’s been so incredible to witness your greatness and work ethic and be able to learn from it. –Coco Gauff

Thank you Rafa for inspiring me and all of us. You will be missed. –Ons Jabeur

He’s a legend of our game, he’ll be truly missed. To win that many matches on clay, no one will ever accomplish that feat again and that sort of winning record at the French Open. ==Greg Rusedski

Rafael Nadal is one of the greatest male tennis players of all time and as sad as it is to hear this news, I would like to congratulate him on his phenomenal career. — ITF president David Haggerty 
 

You are a legend. A true Olympian and a great champion who understands the power of sport to make the world a better place. Whatever you do next, I am certain you will continue to give everything you have — as you have done throughout your career. –International Olympic committee president Thomas Bach

Rafa, what an incredible race you’ve had! Your dedication, passion and incredible talent have inspired millions around the world. It has been an honour to witness your journey and to be able to call you a friend. Congrats on an amazing career! Enjoy your retirement! –Cristiano Ronaldo 

The way ahead

Rafael Nadal may have retired from active play but his influence will continue. Back in 2016 he and his former coach Toni Nadal (Uncle Toni) set up the Rafa Nadal Academy as a
training centre on the island of Mallorca. He will definitely be featuring there in the future, and he will doubtless play exhibition matches elsewhere.

The ‘King of Clay’ will no longer play the professional tournaments, but his legacy will live on.