You have inspired millions of children to start playing tennis – Novak Djokovic pays tribute to Rafael Nadal

Novak Djokovic lauded Rafael Nadal after his biggest rival announced his retirement from the game on Thursday. Nadal had a glorious career, winning 22 Grand Slams and a total of 92 titles on the tour.

Meanwhile, Djokovic shared a great rivalry with Nadal and played some of the best matches in the history of the game. Djokovic and Nadal took one each other in 60 matches, with the former winning 31 and the latter winning on 29 occasions. Their last meeting came in the second round of the Paris Olympics, which Djokovic won in straight sets.

“One post is not enough to express the respect I have for you and what you have done for our sport,” Djokovic wrote on social media. “You have inspired millions of children to start playing tennis and I think that’s probably the greatest achievement anyone can wish for. Your tenacity, dedication, fighting spirit is going to be taught for decades.”

The Serbian wished Nadal the best for his swansong at the Davis Cup finals in Malaga.

“Your passion for representing Spain has always been remarkable,” Djokovic said. “I wish you the best possible farewell in Malaga with the Davis Cup team of Spain. I will be there in person to pay respect to your stellar career.”

On the other hand, Nadal’s friend and long-time rival Roger Federer also paid tribute to the Spaniard in a social media post.

“What a career, Rafa! I always hoped this day would never come,” Federer wrote in an Instagram comment. “Thank you for the unforgettable memories and all your incredible achievements in the game we love. It’s been an absolute honour!”

Nadal was struggling with his fitness due to injury woes and had played sporadically on the tour in the last two years.