It is November 19,2024, and tennis fans have been both anxious and sad about this day. Ever since Spanish tennis legend and icon Rafael Nadal announced that he would retire from the sport at the Davis Cup finals in Malaga, Spain, fans have been preparing for this day.
Those preparations also were in the works for high profile Nadal fans like his longtime foe Roger Federer and clothing sponsor Nike. Federer and Nike found unique ways to honor Nadal today and shared them on social media.
Roger Federer Honors Rafael Nadal With A Letter
Federer wrote a lengthy letter to Nadal. It read like a walk down memory lane with how their careers began and how Federer got the best of Nadal at the beginning, but that quickly changed.
Roger also spoke about inviting himself to the opening of the Rafael Nadal Academy. He shared his impressions of Nadal the man beyond the determined and hardworking athlete the rest of us see.
Federer called Nadal “a role model for kids around the world” and added that his four children have trained at Nadal’s academies.
He shared his gratitude that Nadal was at the 2022 Laver Cup when he retired saying: “My final match. It meant everything to me that you were there by my side—not as my rival but as my doubles partner. Sharing the court with you that night, and sharing those tears, will forever be one of the most special moments of my career.”
Nike Unleashes Epic Rafael Nadal Ad
If Federer’s letter pulls at your heartstrings, cue the tears for the Nike ad. Nike said: No one has given more to their sport. Or left it all on the court every single time.”
No one has given more to their sport. Or left it all on the court every single time. @RafaelNadal, you showed us what it takes to be the greatest. It only takes everything. pic.twitter.com/l2iBGF5yyQ
— Nike (@Nike) November 19, 2024
When Will Rafael Nadal Play?
Team Spain will send Rafael Nadal onto the court at 11 AM EST to take on the Netherlands Botic Van de Zandschulp.
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CONFIRMED: Rafael Nadal WILL play singles today at the Davis Cup Finals, vs Botic Van de Zandschulp 🔥
5pm local time ⏰
📸 Jorge Guerrero pic.twitter.com/elSonosZyL
— Olly 🎾🇬🇧 (@Olly_Tennis_) November 19, 2024
Nadal has tried to make this event about his efforts to help Team Spain win a sixth Davis Cup as a participant. He admitted that his decision to retire is about his inability to play at the level he needs to compete with the top players. Nadal was not a fan of going on a farewell tour so this Davis Cup event playing for his country (again) at home was the most appropriate for him.
