Serena Williams Pays Touching Tribute to Rafael Nadal, Says ‘Choked Up With Rafa’s Retirement’ (Watch Video)

Mumbai, November 20: Former American tennis star Serena Williams has paid tribute to Rafael Nadal with a touching video after the 22-time Grand Slam champion retired from professional tennis. A 92-time tour-level champion Nadal, who spent 209 weeks at No. 1 in the ATP Rankings, wrapped up his glittering two-decade-long tennis career with a loss in his country's Davis Cup quarterfinal tie against the Netherlands. He retired as second in the men's standings for most Grand Slam titles with 22 majors, of which record 14 he won on clay court of Roland Garros. Rafael Nadal Completes Full Circle of His Glittering Career, Says ‘I Lost My First Match in Davis Cup; Lost My Last’.

Serena, who herself is a 23-time Grand Slam winner, posted a video on Instagram in which she can be seen donning a Nadal t-shirt and his signature headband to say farewell to the Spanish great.

Serena Williams Pays Tribute to Rafael Nadal

Williams, who appeared alongside Nadal at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, later posted on X,

Serena Williams Tweet on Rafael Nadal's Retirement

After the match, in a video compilation, sports stars including David Beckham, Iker Casillas, Andres Iniesta, Andy Murray congratulated him on his incredible career.

"Your tenacity, fighting spirit, and the infectious energy you brought to the court will be studied and will inspire countless future generations. I've been privileged to call you my rival," said Serbian great Novak Djokovic, who shared obe of all-time great rivalries with Nadal.

"The tennis world, and indeed the sporting world, will profoundly miss the incredible energy you brought to the game. There"s so much to celebrate and cherish around your legacy," he added.

Murray added, "The passion and intensity you played with was something I think all tennis players aspire to, and what all tennis fans will remember you for. It has been incredible watching you." Rafael Nadal Farewell Speech Video: Spanish Tennis Legend Gets Emotional After His Last Match.

Injury has impacted the last few years of Nadal's career though, and he has not played a tour-level match since the Paris Olympic Games in August, where he lost in the second round to his long-time on-court rival Novak Djokovic. Due to injuries continuing to affect his body, he has only been able to play 19 matches this season.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 20, 2024 02:15 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).