RAFAEL NADAL RETIRES
It’s the end of an era. Rafael Nadal retired from professional tennis on Tuesday.
The Spaniard, with tears in his eyes, told his fans that his one dream is to remembered for being a good person.
“I just want to be remembered as a good person and a kid that followed their dreams and achieved more than what I’ve ever dreamed.”
The 38-year-old lost his final professional tennis match when Spain played against The Netherlands in the Davis Cup.
After the match, several of the tennis world’s biggest names appeared on a big screen as they shared their favourite Nadal thoughts.
Roger Federer said: “It was such a privilege to play with you but especially against you. Congratulations on the most incredible career.”
Serbian Novak Djokovic said: “Your tenacity, your fighting spirit, the energy that you brought, the power, is something that will be studied and something that will be transferred to many, many generations.”
Nadal turned professional in 2001 at the tender age of 14. He played for only a few years before his breakthrough in 2004 when he cemented himself as the king of clay.
His career included 14 French Open titles, two Australian Opens, two Wimbledon titles and four US Opens.
Image credit: CNN