[Sport] Rafael Nadal: Farewell to the ‘King of Clay’

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With tears in his eyes, Rafael Nadal said goodbye to professional tennis on Tuesday.

In a message to his adoring fans, one of the all-time greatest athletes said he just wanted to be celebrated for something so simple.

“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 Spanish great modestly said after playing in his final match.

Despite Nadal and Spain having just been shockingly ousted from the Davis Cup by the Netherlands, the 38-year-old appeared at peace with his decision to walk away from a trophy-laden career while listening to his peers praise him in a tribute video.

“It was such a privilege to play with you but especially against you,” Roger Federer said. “Congratulations on the most incredible career.”

Novak Djokovic added, “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 that are coming up.

“I’ve been very honored and thrilled to be called your rival.”

Serena Williams admitted, “You inspired me to have so many wins - to keep going - to fight - to get better - to improve - to basically play like you.”

The accolades could have continued for hours.

As he walked off the court, the tennis great blew kisses to the crowd and hugged his Spanish teammates before waving goodbye.

 

Rafael Nadal: Farewell to the ‘King of Clay’ | CNN