“Your wealth will live forever”

The Spaniard Rafael Nadal, winner of 22 Grand Slams and 70 other tournaments and number one in the tennis world rankings for 209 weeks, will end his career after the Davis Cup in November. The clay court king’s announcement provoked countless reactions from companions, colleagues and greats of the sport. The press also pays homage to the clay court king.

Boris Becker: “Thank you very much, Rafa. You have made the tennis world a better place.”

Roger Federer: “What a career, Rafa! I always hoped this day would never come. Thank you for the unforgettable memories and all your incredible failures in this game we love so much. It was an absolute honor.”

Novak Djokovic: “Rafa, one contribution is not enough to express the respect I have for you and what you have done for our sport. You’ve inspired millions of kids to start playing tennis and I think that’s probably the greatest achievement anyone could ask for. Your tenacity, your dedication and your fighting spirit will be taught for decades to come. Your fortune will live forever.”

Carlos Alcaraz: “When I found out, it was obviously hard to accept it.” I’m a bit in shock. […] From the kid who saw you on TV and dreamed of becoming a tennis player, to the one who had the great gift of playing alongside you in Roland Garros and representing Spain at the Olympics! Thank you for being a role model at every level, your legacy is unrepeatable! I enjoyed it so much and will miss you a lot when you retire after the Davis Cup, Rafa!”

Jannik Sinner: “These are serious events for the entire tennis world, and not just for the tennis world. All I can say is that I was very lucky to get to know him personally and he is an incredible person. “He gave something to all of us.”

Nick Kyrgios: “Rafa, don’t retire, I want to play you one last time.” We had our differences, but you were one hell of a warrior. Best wishes and good luck in whatever comes next.”

Coco Gauff: “You are great! It was so incredible to witness and learn from your greatness and work ethic. I wish you all the best for the next chapter.”

Darren Cahill (former professional and coach of Sinner): “He has all the qualities of an athlete that you would want your own children to emulate.” An inspiration for every generation and a legend for all time. Well done, Rafa.”

ATP Players Association: “The tennis court will never be the same again.”

French Open tournament directorate: “King Rafa. 14 Thank you for millions of memories.”

Wimbledon tournament directorate: “Endless pride, golden memories. A champion forever.”

Ons Jabeur (three-time Grand Slam finalist): “Thank you for inspiring me and everyone else. You will be missed.”

Cristiano Ronaldo: “Your dedication, passion and incredible talent have inspired millions of people around the world.” It has been an honor to follow your journey and to consider you a friend. Congratulations on an exceptional career and all the best for your retirement.”

Alejandro Blanco (President of the Spanish NOK): “You are and will remain a legend in tennis and in the world of sports.”

Thomas Bach (IOC President): “Dear Rafa, 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’m sure you’ll give it your all – just like you did throughout your career. Hats off, chapeau!”

Marca (Spain): “Rafa is retiring – what do we play now?” Who will delight us with impossible comebacks, with what we have never seen before? Who will turn Paris into a piece of Spain? His figure was so colossal that it obscured the sun.”

El Mundo Deportivo (Spain): “At Roland Garros he was crowned the greatest in clay court history and forged a legend.”

L’Equipe (France): “Two years after Roger Federer, another tennis giant will retire tired.”

Gazzetta dello Sport (Italy): “A legend is retiring.” It certainly doesn’t come like a bolt from the blue, (…) but two years after the retirement of his great friend and rival Roger Federer (…), another of the big three is leaving of tennis.”

The Guardian (England): “In addition to his groundbreaking forehand, his outstanding athleticism and intelligence, Nadal established himself as a player determined to constantly improve.” He built a complete game that enabled him to topple Federer and finally in 2008 after one of the great matches To win Wimbledon.”

BBC (England): “The end is near.”

The Athletic/New York Times (England/USA): “Along with Federer and Djokovic, Nadal will retire from tennis as one of the greatest male players of all time.”

ESPN (England/USA): “Nadal is already immortalized at Roland Garros with a statue in front of Court Philippe-Chatrier, but it will be his dominance on clay that will remain synonymous even in retirement.”