Cristiano Ronaldo wishes retiring Rafael Nadal: Honour to witness your journey

Rafael Nadal retirement: Football legend Cristiano Ronaldo took to social media to pay his tribute to Rafael Nadal, who announced he would retire in November after the Davis Cup Finals.

In Short

• Rafael Nadal announced his retirement from tennis on October 10
• Cristiano Ronaldo said Nadal inspired the world with his talent and hunger to win
• Nadal will finish his career with 22 Grand Slam titles

Football great Cristiano Ronaldo wished Rafael Nadal the best after the legendary tennis player announced his retirement on Thursday, October 10. Nadal confirmed 2024 would be his last as a professional tennis player. The 22-time Grand Slam champion will bring the curtains down on a decorated career after the Davis Cup Finals in November.

Cristiano Ronaldo replied to Rafael Nadal's retirement post on social media, saying it was an hour to know him as a friend. Nadal is a huge fan of the Spanish football club, Real Madrid where Ronaldo won some of his biggest titles.

"Rafa, what an incredible race you've had! Your dedication, passion and incredible talent have inspired millions around the world. It has been an honour to witness your journey and to be able to call you a friend. Congrats on an amazing career! Enjoy your retirement," Ronaldo said.

Nadal had announced last year that the 2024 season might probably be his last as a professional tennis player. Nadal underwent surgery to treat a hip injury last year and returned to action early in the season in Australia. However, Nadal was not able to return to peak fitness and pulled out of the Australian Open.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion, who won 14 titles at Roland Garros, competed in the French Open, but was handed a brutal draw. Facing eventual finalist Alexander Zverev in the opening round, Nadal was knocked out in the first round.

Nadal returned to the Paris clay for the Olympics, but he lost to eventual gold medalist and one of his biggest rivals, Novak Djokovic, in the second round. Nadal competed with Carlos Alcaraz in the doubles, but the duo missed out on a medal after losing in the quarter-finals.

Nadal was not able to compete in any other Grand Slam in the year, withdrawing from Wimbledon and the US Open. Nadal managed to play only 23 matches on the tour in the last two years.

Nadal will finish his career after representing his country in the Davis Cup Finals in November. The Spaniard will end his 23-year-long career as one of the greatest sports stars. His dominance at the Roland Garros in which he has a record of 112-4 might never be emulated.

Nadal will finish with 22 Grand Slam titles, two fewer than all-time record holder Novak Djokovic with his last title coming at the French Open in 2022. Roger Federer retired with 20 Grand Slams.