Press comments on the announced farewell to Rafael Nadal

This approaching farewell hardly leaves anyone cold, no matter where. Rafael Nadal has left his mark on tennis worldwide.

Rafael Nadal will end his career. After the Davis Cup final tournament in Malaga next month, it’s over for the 38-year-old Spanish tennis superstar.

“Sport”: “Rafa Nadal’s retirement announcement at the end of the Davis Cup was a big blow, even if this news was expected. The Spaniard got through the season without giving a date, although the shadow of retirement followed him at all tournaments.

“As”: “Nadal, a legend among legends. The Spanish tennis player retires as one of the greatest in history, regardless of the sport. The emptiness he leaves behind is endless, but the display cases remain full. As does the memory and legacy that go far beyond the title.

“El País”: “Legend Nadal. Titles and more titles, yes, but there is much more behind the success. A life point by point. The Spanish tennis player is leaving tennis at the age of 38 and is considered one of the greats in the history of the sport, an icon of perseverance and a symbol of faith: for him it was always worth trying one last time.

“El Mundo”: “Rafael Nadal, the man who went beyond sport.”

“ABC”: “His medical history is as great as his achievements. Countless scars that he closed with suffering, passion and pride, but which also left their mark on his spirit.”

“Tagesanzeiger”: “Rafael Nadal resigns – and speaks emotionally about his family. The Spaniard realizes that his body can no longer cooperate and ends his fabulous career at the age of 38. He was Roger Federer’s biggest rival.”

“Blick”: “Sand king, deep stacker, Federer rival and friend: With Rafael Nadal, a tennis giant is retiring who, despite setbacks, always pushed himself to achieve top performance – and left footsteps on his favorite surface that may never be matched again. “”

“Neue Zürcher Zeitung: “His body paid the price for the self-sacrificing style of play – with Rafael Nadal, one of the greatest is leaving the tennis court.”

“Kleine Zeitung”: “Resignation of an icon.”

“Kronen-Zeitung”: “One of the very greatest. Adios!”

“Le Parisien”: “A holy monster has said goodbye. (…) It was the “hola todos” (Hello to everyone) that all tennis lovers had feared.”

“L”Équipe”: “Rafael Nadal will retire after two years of fighting against his body. (…) He probably didn’t plan to just put it there. This final point that had hung threateningly in the air for so long. (…) He hadn’t quite imagined the ending like that. The stare into the eye of a camera, a black shirt and a reassured look to announce that he would not be returning in a month and a half, at the final fire of the Davis Cup in Malaga.

“Le Figaro”: “Rafael Nadal, a legend of earth and gold.”

“The Sun”: “Rafael Nadal is not only one of the greatest tennis players of all time, he is also one of the greatest athletes.”

Daily Mail: “He was a fierce competitor on the pitch and an impeccable ambassador off the pitch. Off camera, in the small interactions with volunteers at events, he was always polite and humble, and that is the true measure of this man. (…) Nadal has played some of the most memorable matches in sport and his dedication, determination, ability to play well beyond the threshold of pain and sheer will have earned him worldwide recognition, in tennis and beyond.”

“The Independent”: “Nadal was more than a genius – his eccentric style made him an icon.”

“The Age”: “End of an era: Rafael Nadal announces his retirement from tennis.”