Novak Djokovic reacts to Rafael Nadal’s retirement: ‘Your legacy will live on forever’ | News, scores, highlights, stats and rumours

“You’ve inspired millions of kids to start playing tennis and I think that’s probably the best achievement anyone could wish for,” Djokovic wrote. “Your tenacity, dedication, fighting spirit will be taught for decades. Your legacy will live on forever.”

The post comes after Nadal revealed in an announcement on social media that he will step away from tennis after next month’s Davis Cup:

The trio of Nadal, Djokovic and Roger Federer helped define an entire era of men’s tennis, becoming a shocker during their peaks when someone else won a tournament.

It was fitting that both Djokovic and Federer offered messages as their counterpart departed. Federer also responded with a message that read, in part, “thank you for the unforgettable memories and all your incredible achievements in the game we love. It’s been an absolute honor!”

That Nadal, 38, is leaving at this point is not particularly surprising.

She missed much of the 2023 campaign with a hip injury and was also sidelined for the Australian Open and this year’s grass court season, including Wimbledon. He also missed the US Open and lost in the first round of the French Open.

The highlight of Nadal’s 2024 season probably came at the Paris Olympics, where he represented Spain and reached the doubles quarterfinals with partner Carlos Alcaraz.