TearTheRoofOff
G.O.A.T.
2:27, Roger clearly took @Spencer Gore's feedback on board with the 2008 Wimbledon drop. Shame that was obviously just to downplay Rafa's clay achievements or something.
Thank you Nadal and farewell
- Thread starter Hitman
- Start date
nolefam_2024
Bionic Poster
Yes, of our lifetime.
Hitman
Bionic Poster
My final thoughts on Nadal.
I can never forget the first day I saw you play live, it was USO 2003 in the 2nd round.
The buzz that was in the air, even after the match was over was spectacular. Everyone knew that we had witnessed someone and something special and I felt like it was a matter of time before you would shine even brighter, boy did you ever. The way you took on Hewitt at AO 2004 at the very next slam, that powerful forehand, as crazy as I remembered it when I saw it live. Then the match against Federer in Miami....yes, you were the real deal.
I don't think anyone expected you to have the incredible career that you did, but in a way, it doesn't surprise me either. Your passion, your ability to fight for every point as if it was a matter of life and death, your immense mental fortitude - man, what can I say about your mental strength that hasn't already been said? Every tournament, every match, every point, it was always on display....it was insane how you never let up, but it goes back to how you played every point as your last.
Even though I couldn't emotionally connect with you to have you as my fav, I always had a soft spot for you, and incredible sense of respect and admiration, maybe some of it was due to having watched you live before you became the legend, feeling that I knew this kid, and maybe some of it was from the way you handled yourself and conducted yourself like a champion, both on and off the court, maybe it was just what you meant to the sport. Without you, this incredible era would not have been possible, you are one of the three pillars, along with Federer and Djokovic, who took tennis to absolutely crazy heights.
Visiting your RNA in Mallorca, was one of the best memories I have as a tennis fan. I never got to see you there and meet you, I won't pretend that I did, but meeting your team and having that experience at the academy is one I will always remember.
Your uniqueness in your attire, your tennis, and being the only player I know who never smashed a tennis racket have left a mark on the sport, and sports fans around the world. Whether I rooted for you or against you, thank you for the amazing memories and making tennis so crazy fun and exciting to watch. Rest now Rafa, God only knows how much you earned it.
I can never forget the first day I saw you play live, it was USO 2003 in the 2nd round.
The buzz that was in the air, even after the match was over was spectacular. Everyone knew that we had witnessed someone and something special and I felt like it was a matter of time before you would shine even brighter, boy did you ever. The way you took on Hewitt at AO 2004 at the very next slam, that powerful forehand, as crazy as I remembered it when I saw it live. Then the match against Federer in Miami....yes, you were the real deal.
I don't think anyone expected you to have the incredible career that you did, but in a way, it doesn't surprise me either. Your passion, your ability to fight for every point as if it was a matter of life and death, your immense mental fortitude - man, what can I say about your mental strength that hasn't already been said? Every tournament, every match, every point, it was always on display....it was insane how you never let up, but it goes back to how you played every point as your last.
Even though I couldn't emotionally connect with you to have you as my fav, I always had a soft spot for you, and incredible sense of respect and admiration, maybe some of it was due to having watched you live before you became the legend, feeling that I knew this kid, and maybe some of it was from the way you handled yourself and conducted yourself like a champion, both on and off the court, maybe it was just what you meant to the sport. Without you, this incredible era would not have been possible, you are one of the three pillars, along with Federer and Djokovic, who took tennis to absolutely crazy heights.
Visiting your RNA in Mallorca, was one of the best memories I have as a tennis fan. I never got to see you there and meet you, I won't pretend that I did, but meeting your team and having that experience at the academy is one I will always remember.
Your uniqueness in your attire, your tennis, and being the only player I know who never smashed a tennis racket have left a mark on the sport, and sports fans around the world. Whether I rooted for you or against you, thank you for the amazing memories and making tennis so crazy fun and exciting to watch. Rest now Rafa, God only knows how much you earned it.
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vive le beau jeu !
Talk Tennis Guru
muchas gracias for leaving tennis.
Djokovic_is_the_best#1
Bionic Poster
I’d always prefer Djokovic over Nadal. However, Nadal deserves so much respect for what he’s achieved and hawk.l be missed.
Djokovic_is_the_best#1
Bionic Poster
Therefore, you just a Nadal fan and not a real tennis fan?
Winner Sinner
Hall of Fame
Why wasn't Federer present yesterday?
I want to hope that it was only due to the fact that no one could imagine that Spain would exit so soon, otherwise the absence of its biggest rival cannot be justified from the moment when Federer decided to retire in 2022 during the Laver Cup, despite had there been complications in the pregnancy of Nadal's wife, the Majorcan still decided to honor that special moment in Federer's career with his presence.
And don't tell me about the Swiss' too many commitments, if you really care about someone, there's a way to be found in such a special moment.
Could it be that perhaps there is a lot of narrative behind their friendship?
Does Federer care about his business anymore?
I want to hope that it was only due to the fact that no one could imagine that Spain would exit so soon, otherwise the absence of its biggest rival cannot be justified from the moment when Federer decided to retire in 2022 during the Laver Cup, despite had there been complications in the pregnancy of Nadal's wife, the Majorcan still decided to honor that special moment in Federer's career with his presence.
And don't tell me about the Swiss' too many commitments, if you really care about someone, there's a way to be found in such a special moment.
Could it be that perhaps there is a lot of narrative behind their friendship?
Does Federer care about his business anymore?
Donkus_Reborn
Semi-Pro
CHEERIO CHEERIO CHEERIO, CHEERIO CHEERIO CHEERIO, CHEEERIOOOOO, CHEEEERIO....
Fans can now join Feddie over in the former pro player talk with the rest of the relics. I enjoy looking forward to Lew Hoad v Nadal debates.
Fans can now join Feddie over in the former pro player talk with the rest of the relics. I enjoy looking forward to Lew Hoad v Nadal debates.
NoleFam
Bionic Poster
Very cool that ServiceNow sponsored this video.
Was pleasantly surprised to see that.
RS
Bionic Poster
Nadal FTW
messiahrobins
Legend
Tallawah Tennis
Semi-Pro
From the heart this, can understand it man, I felt it when Roger retired. The end of the unforgettable rule of the Big 3 was on the cards for a while, and even though Novak remains active, with Rafa's farewell yesterday, it somehow felt final. I believe that those who inspire us become part of us in some way, and their departure feels as though something in us has gone too.
What memories - whether a Rafa fan or not, he was a lynchpin of the triumvirate, alongside Roger and Novak. On his side, the achievements speak for themselves. Simply incredible. Yet he was apart too - because of his amazing domination on clay, that will be almost impossible to emulate. The focused 'never give up' mentality and unwillingness to concede a point, his hallmark. Loved by so many fans across the world, Rafa was a superstar on the tour throughout his career. Many current players were inspired by him, he brought them to the game.
Now, much loved husband / father, he goes into the sunset of competitive tennis knowing he achieved amazing heights and made the most of his career. Knowing that he is one of greatest players ever to have played the sport. What a wonderful foundation for his future endeavours. Wishing Rafa the best of luck for his adventures to come.
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Donkus_Reborn
Semi-Pro
I honestly do not know how I will go on with life now. Thankyou Rafa for everything. My first suicide attempt when Roger left us failed after someone convinced me life was worth living, but this........
Donkus_Reborn
Semi-Pro
Jokes aside, Nadal's tennis was dope. There will be another Nadal though, it all comes around in cycles.
heftylefty
Hall of Fame
When Rafa first started, I wasn't a fan, mainly because he was competing against Federer. However, over the years, I've grown to not only appreciate him but also cheer for him.
There are many words to describe Nadal, but the one that stands out for me is "tenacious." I can't recall a time when Nadal didn't give his all. Even in losses, he fought until the end. His determination is inspiring to players of all levels, even a 60-year-old 3.5 player like me. Embrace the fight, chase one more ball, make one more shot. And most importantly, be a gentleman even in defeat.
Thank goodness for YouTube; we can relive those moments. Thank you, Rafa!
There are many words to describe Nadal, but the one that stands out for me is "tenacious." I can't recall a time when Nadal didn't give his all. Even in losses, he fought until the end. His determination is inspiring to players of all levels, even a 60-year-old 3.5 player like me. Embrace the fight, chase one more ball, make one more shot. And most importantly, be a gentleman even in defeat.
Thank goodness for YouTube; we can relive those moments. Thank you, Rafa!
Palindrome
Rookie
Thank you so much, Rafa, for all the unforgettable moments and the legacies you've made. You've brought so much joy and even a few tears with every match you played.
The epic rivalry with Federer totally got me into tennis and turned me into one of your huge fans. You'll be greatly missed and watching tennis matches just won't be the same anymore without you around.
Enjoy your retirement and the life after tennis!
The epic rivalry with Federer totally got me into tennis and turned me into one of your huge fans. You'll be greatly missed and watching tennis matches just won't be the same anymore without you around.
Enjoy your retirement and the life after tennis!
Rafa.the.Magnificent
G.O.A.T.
Edge of my seat entertainment for so many years, it’s been a great, great ride. Thanks Rafa, you’ll always be the best in my book.
Rafa24
Hall of Fame
I liked the big 3 and the rivalry with them all. I still will possibly watch some just not like before. Much like the NBA. I was a huge Kobe fan and when he retired I didn't watch was much.
Mustard
Bionic Poster
Until the end of 2024, really.
Mainad
Bionic Poster
MaxTennis
Professional
Very cool that ServiceNow sponsored this video.
Shout out to ServiceNow! I live super close to there
NoleFam
Bionic Poster
Close to their headquarters in California? Awesome.
Sport
G.O.A.T.
Everyone imagined it was plausible option. It's sports, no one is guaranteed a win, and in top of that Spain was only marginally favorite over Netherlands (Botic defeated Alcaraz at the US Open 2024 and he was the second best player of them, so go figure).
MaxTennis
Professional
Yeah, in the Bay Area
Winner Sinner
Hall of Fame
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