Reactions from sports stars like Federer to Nadal’s resignation

When someone like tennis legend Rafael Nadal retires, nice words are expected. This is what Roger Federer and other sports stars said about it:

Roger Federer

Roger Federer (20-time winner of Grand Slam tournaments): “What a career, Rafa! It was a great honor for me. I always wished that this day would never come. Thank you for the unforgettable memories and all your incredible achievements in the sport we all love.”

Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal welcome each other for a match at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.Image: Keystone

Novak Djokovic (Nadal’s second big rival besides Federer): “Rafa, a single message is not enough to express the respect I have for you and for what you have done for our sport.” You have millions of children inspired to play tennis and I think that’s probably the greatest achievement you could ask for. …Thank you for pushing me to my limits so many times in our rivalry, which has influenced me the most as a player. Your passion for representing Spain has always been remarkable. I wish you the best farewell to Malaga in the Davis Cup. I will be there in person to pay tribute to your brilliant career.”

Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo (five-time world footballer): “Rafa, you have had an incredible career!” Your commitment, your passion and your incredible talent have inspired millions of people around the world. It was an honor to share your journey and to call you a friend – congratulations on your incredible career and enjoy your retirement!”

Cristiano Ronaldo during a Portugal national team game against Scotland in Lisbon 2024.Image: Keystone

Jannik Sinner

Jannik Sinner during a match at the Shanghai Masters in China 2024.Image: Keystone

Jannik Sinner (current number 1 in tennis): “You are an incredible person. You showed us how we should behave on the pitch, how we should deal with situations. You also taught us to stay humble and not change with success. We were all very lucky to get to know you and learn from you.”

Boris Becker

Boris Becker (Germany’s tennis star): “Nadal has made the tennis world a better place.”

Boris Becker (center) at a match between Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal at the French Open in Paris 2014. Image: EPA/EPA

Kylian Mbappe

For French footballer Kylian Mbappé, Rafael Nadal will always remain a legend.Image: imago

Kylian Mbappé (captain of the French national football team): “Congratulations on your career Rafa, you are a role model as a player and as a person. Enjoy your retirement, you will always be a legend.”

Andres Iniesta

Andres Iniesta (World and European champion with the Spanish national football team): “Congratulations on your extraordinary career and the legacy you have left behind.”

Spanish footballer Andres Iniesta when he announced his retirement in Barcelona in October this year.Image: Keystone

Florentino Perez

Rafael Nadal with Florentino Perez in 2013.Image: imago

Florentino Perez (President of Nadal’s favorite club Real Madrid): “Rafa Nadal is a pride for our country and an example of the fundamental values ​​of sport that have shaped his entire extraordinary career.”

Coco Gauff

Coco Gauff (2023 US Open winner): “You are wonderful!” It was incredible to see your greatness and your work ethic and to be able to learn from it. I wish you nothing but the best in your next chapter.”

Coco Gauff of the USA holds her own with the trophy after winning the China Open in Beijing in October this year.Image: Keystone

Nick Kyrgios

Australian Nick Kyrgios during a match against Rafael Nadal at the Australian Open in Melbourne 2020.Image: EPA

Nick Kyrgios (Wimbledon finalist 2022): “Rafa, don’t resign. I want to play against you one last time. We had our differences, but you were one hell of a fighter. Best wishes and good luck in whatever awaits you.” (sda/afp/apa)

The Swiss national team has to score points in Serbia and Denmark if they are to maintain the good atmosphere around the team and the prospect of staying in the Nations League. On board is Christian Witzig, a newcomer from FC St.Gallen.

He no longer finds the puns with his last name funny; according to his own statement, he simply “puts up” with them. But what Christian Witzig reports about getting to know the Swiss national coach is funny.