SEPT 19 - 21, 2025 | SAN FRANCISCO
Since announcing his retirement plans, Rafael Nadal has been showered with an outpouring of affection, respect, and bittersweet celebration. As one of the greatest sportsmen of the century, he leaves a legacy that has stirred both admiration and sadness.
Universally beloved for his unwavering character, professionalism, generosity, warmth and humor, Nadal’s presence on and off the court will be sorely missed.
Nadal embraced the Laver Cup from the beginning, attending the launch of the competition in 2016 at the St.Regis Hotel in New York alongside Roger Federer, Bjorn Borg, John McEnroe and Rod Laver. He went on to represent Team Europe in three editions—Prague 2017, Geneva 2019, and London 2022, famously teaming with his great friend and rival Federer at the O2 for the Swiss Maestro’s final professional doubles match
Now, fans must come to terms with the reality that the 22-time Grand Slam champion, who claimed 14 Roland Garros titles, two Wimbledon crowns, two Australian Opens and four US Open victories, will play his last competitive match at age 38.
Tributes from teammates and rivals
Upon hearing the news, Roger Federer wrote, “I hoped this day would never come. Thank you for the unforgettable memories and all your incredible achievements in the game we love. It’s been an absolute honor!”
Novak Djokovic echoed the sentiment as tributes flowed across the world: “Your tenacity, dedication, and fighting spirit will be taught for decades. Your legacy will live forever.”
Nadal had hoped to make one final appearance at Laver Cup in Berlin but withdrew shortly before the event as he continued his battle for full fitness. Prior to the event players from Team Europe and Team World saluted a champion who had inspired their own journeys.
Carlos Alcaraz, who partnered with Nadal at the Paris Olympics in July, said, “I look up to Rafa since I was a little kid. I try to take a lot of things from him on the court and off the court. I try to follow in his steps.”
Alexander Zverev was Nadal’s Laver Cup teammate in 2017 and 2019, experiencing first-hand the Spaniard’s relentless intensity. “The energy that he brings to any competition, the moment he steps on the court, he becomes a different animal in a way. That’s why everybody loves and enjoys watching him.”
Stefanos Tsitsipas often cites his doubles match with Nadal in Geneva as a career highlight, during which the Spanish legend schooled his younger teammate on the art of communication during the changeover. “We need to be a little bit more clear with the fingers,” suggested Nadal. “I didn’t understand where you go. Any finger you cross.”
Five years later, Tsitsipas said he most admired Nadal’s competitive spirit. “It’s in his nature. It’s engraved within him. That’s what makes him such an incredible athlete. He has a great team spirit, which was obvious from the very first point that was played. He was really involved within the team and he was bringing all the energy.”
John McEnroe, who stepped down from the Team World captaincy following the seventh edition of the Laver Cup in Berlin, said Nadal was one of the classiest guys he had ever witnessed on a tennis court.
“I’ve never seen a guy that, point in and point out, gives that type of effort and that’s got to inspire other players. His swagger and the way he played was so different in the way he approached things.”
Six-time Roland Garros champion Bjorn Borg, who led Team Europe to five Laver Cup titles, including two with Nadal, reflected on the Spaniard’s unmatched success on clay before this year’s tournament.
“Many people said at the time that probably no one would break my record,” Borg said. “I always believed records are there to be broken. That’s the nature of sport. Then Rafa comes along and wins 14 times. You will never see another player so good on clay.”
Laver Cup organizers paid tribute to the left-hander, who finished the year-end No.1 five times. “Nadal’s unparalleled sportsmanship, unwavering commitment, and deep sense of camaraderie have been the hallmarks of his extraordinary career,’ said Tony Godsick, Chairman of the Laver Cup and CEO of TEAM8. ‘Whether he was fiercely competing or standing in support of his teammates, Rafa’s passion for the game and his leadership inspired everyone around him. His presence, both on and off the court, will be greatly missed.”
As a Laver Cup champion in 2017 and 2019, Rafael Nadal competed in seven matches for Team Europe, demonstrating his unwavering determination across three singles and four doubles contests. His commitment to the event, and belief in its vision to build a lasting legacy in tennis, echoes the enduring mark Nadal has left on the sport.
