ROGER FEDERER described playing against him as an "honour" and Cristiano Ronaldo told him he had "inspired millions." When Rafa Nadal bowed yesterday to what had seemed inevitable for more than two years, there was no shortage of plaudits for a career that spanned 23 years, 22 Grand Slam singles titles, and Olympic gold.
His individual career is over and once he serves one last stint for Spain in the final of the Davis Cup - a tournament he has helped his country to win on four occasions on home soil next month, one of the game's greats will finally leave the stage.
Nadal, who was the darling of Centre Court when he lifted two Wimbledon titles, was most famously the king of clay, winning an incredible 14 French Open singles titles.
Like his contemporary, Andy Murray, Nadal has tried to win a long battle with injuries, believing one more triumph was always round the corner. But he explained yesterday why it's time to call it quits.
Denne historien er fra October 11, 2024-utgaven av Daily Mirror UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra October 11, 2024-utgaven av Daily Mirror UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
TAILSPIN
No moans over pitch as England victory bid turns sour after drops
World war warning
Zelensky: Thousands of North Koreans to join up
Now leave us to grieve at last..
Shoreham families' relief at crash pilot appeal loss
If I make it to heaven I'll find my mother & say: "Ma look what happened to me!"
Al Pacino has created some of the most iconic movie roles of all time.
SHE CAN'T BE LEADER SHE HAS YOUNG KIDS
Fury at Tory MP's Kemi jibe
Heights of fashion
FROM the pre-flight routine to the drinks trolley, the role of cabin crew has not changed much in 80 years.
LOVELY LAD
Blast victim, 7, remembered as man's body found in ruins
Vinted pics 'sexualised in reposts'
Clothing sellers report harassment
England winning the World Cup is written in the stars with my Thomas... a mutter* knows!
THE proud mum of new England manager Thomas Tuchel said it is \"written in the stars\" that he will lead the side to World Cup victory.
ISRAEL: WE'VE KILLED SINWAR
Hamas leader and architect of October 7 atrocities is eliminated'