Serena Williams said it had been an honour to witness Rafael Nadal's tennis journey and that he would leave the game a "lasting legacy" following the Spaniard's defeat in the final match of his glorious career.
Nadal, who won 22 Grand Slam titles over the course of a career spanning more than two decades, announced his retirement in October and was a surprise pick for Spain's opening singles match in their Davis Cup quarter-final against the Netherlands.
The 38-year-old lost 6-4, 6-4 to Botic van de Zandschulp and Spain eventually fell 2-1 to exit the team tournament in Malaga.
"Congratulations on a career that most won't dare to dream of," Williams said on Instagram, alongside a video of her wearing Nadalbranded merchandise.
"I feel so fortunate to have been able to play when you were playing and being great. You inspired me to be better, to play harder, to fight, to never give up, and to win more. No excuses, just play the sport.
"Your legacy will never die. Wow, to see your career from the beginning to today was an honour champ! Long live Rafa!"
Nadal's Davis Cup teammate Carlos Alcaraz said the former world No. 1 had been his inspiration.
"Thanks to you, I have become a professional tennis player," the four-time Major champion said.
Denne historien er fra November 21, 2024-utgaven av The Straits Times.
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 November 21, 2024-utgaven av The Straits Times.
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
Blackpink's Jennie to release debut studio album
Jennie, a member of K-pop girl group Blackpink, will release her first solo studio album in 2025.
Lord Of The Rings musical to make Asian premiere in Singapore
Middle-earth is making its way to Singapore.
Brave Lions Suffer Late Heartbreaks
Vietnam net twice in added time to take a 2-0 lead in Asean C'ship semi-final
Saka's absence a good challenge for us: Arteta
A buoyant Mikel Arteta had said that the English Premier League title race was \"on\", after Arsenal swept Crystal Palace aside 5-1 in their last league game before Christmas.
WOEFUL CITY VOW TO KEEP GOING
Guardiola’s men fail to beat Everton, with misfiring Haaland central to their struggles
With two tour wins, Matsuyama is Asia's shining golf star
As another year draws to a close, one thing remains certain – the sun always rises in the Far East with Japan truly basking in the glory of its most famous golfing son, Hideki Matsuyama.
Rybakina gaining insight from Ivanisevic
Former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina expressed confidence on Dec 26 that her new partnership with Novak Djokovic's former coach Goran Ivanisevic will pay dividends, starting at the mixed-team United Cup.
Djokovic Still Motivated To Win
Bid for historic 25th Major title keeps 37-year-old's fire burning as he begins season in Brisbane
Kohli under fire after clash with teen Konstas
Virat Kohli's conduct came under the microscope in the Boxing Day Test, after a clash of shoulders with teen debutant Sam Konstas but the incident did little to knock the Australian wonder boy off his stride.
LawConnect lead, Comanche out with broken main sail
Favourite Master Lock Comanche were forced to retire from the 79th running of the Sydney to Hobart yacht race which began on Dec 26, leaving LawConnect as the new race leader in the South Pacific.
