22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal withdrew from the French Open on Thursday because his hip injury had not healed and said he expected 2024 to be his final year in professional tennis. Many of the biggest tennis stars reacted quickly to this news.
We will miss you at this year’s Roland Garros @Rafael Nadalking of clay forever. Your extraordinary physical strength, fighting spirit and dedication to tennis are unmatched in the modern era. Rest, buddy. I look forward to seeing you again, on or off the court. 🚀 pic.twitter.com/r1bakMtGVR
— Rod Laver (@rodlaver) May 19, 2023
We send the best for Rafa.
It was a great honor and privilege to present you with the winner’s trophy last year.
Every professional athlete deserves to play or retire on their own terms.
Thank you, @Rafael Nadaland the French Tennis Federation. pic.twitter.com/AFsi1ppX9y
— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) May 19, 2023
Good luck Rafael! ❤️ Very painful and sad for everyone that you can’t be at Roland Garros or play any more this year, but I hope 2024 will be a great season for you and that you can say goodbye like the great champion that you are! 🤝🏻 @Rafael Nadal pic.twitter.com/KIfVSnRRS7
– Carlos Alcaraz (@carlosalcaraz) May 18, 2023
Baby @Rafael NadalToday is a hard day, but we are by your side more than ever. I am proud of you now and always ❤️
— Pau Gasol (@paugasol) May 18, 2023
Reef,
We can’t imagine how difficult this decision was. We will definitely miss you at this year’s Roland-Garros. Take care to come back stronger to the courts.
Hope to see you next year in Paris 🧡 pic.twitter.com/lTN3GExBFo
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 18, 2023
GET. ALL RIGHT. SOON. REEF.
— Nicolas Kiefer (@Nicolas_Kiefer) May 18, 2023
Raaaaaaaaa 🥲
Hope to see you next year— Jo Durie (@Jodurie) May 18, 2023
What a strange feeling it will be @Roland Garros without its king @Rafael Nadal What a shame for the world’s sport, but knowing that you will be trying this for your last last dance next year, we can’t wait to experience it!!! Cheer up the genius of geniuses
— Nico Almagro (@NicoAlmagro) May 19, 2023
all the joy in the world, @Rafael Nadal. I hope that soon you will be able to compete again, you are healthy and you can finish your sports career as you deserve. We look forward to meeting you!
— Carla Suarez Navarro (@CarlaSuarezNava) May 18, 2023
Seventeen years between his first and last @Roland Garros titles 🏆
We hope for a recovery of the dominant force on clay.
Quick recovery, @Rafael Nadalthe tennis community will miss you at this year’s French Open 🫶 pic.twitter.com/x0uSYFVSqA
— International Tennis Hall of Fame (@TennisHalloFame) May 18, 2023
Related
