Nick Kyrgios sends unique message to Rafael Nadal after Spaniard announces retirement from tennis
Following Rafael Nadal’s emotional announcement about his retirement from professional tennis, Nick Kyrgios offered a heartfelt response. Kyrgios asked Nadal to postpone his retirement so that the pair can face off one last time.
On October 10, 2024, Nadal took to his social media to announce that he would embrace retirement after representing Spain at the Davis Cup Finals in November. The Spaniard's announcement comes years after his battles with injuries that led to several withdrawals, and, recently, early exits from tournaments.
"The reality is that it has been some difficult years, these last two especially. I don’t think I have been able to play without limitations," Nadal said.
Several sporting stars including Cristiano Ronaldo, Raphael Varane, Roger Federer, Coco Gauff, and David de Gea expressed their support for the 39-year-old.
Nick Kyrgios also extended his gratitude and best wishes toward the Spaniard but he had a unique way to ask him to continue playing.
"Rafa don’t retire I wanna play you 1 last time," Kyrgios wrote on X.
Kyrgios and Nadal faced off on the ATP Tour nine times with the Spaniard leading the head-to-head 6-3. The pair have locked horns in multiple ATP 1000 events and Grand Slams. One of their highly contested battles included their encounter at Indian Wells in 2022, a quarterfinal in which Nadal won 7-6(0), 5-7, 6-4.
Kyrgios' request may have also stemmed from the fact that their last encounter did not go ahead as planned. The pair were set to face off in the semifinals of the 2022 Wimbledon Championships, a match that promised to be one of their biggest encounters. However, Nadal withdrew before setting foot on the court due to an injury.
"We had our differences but you were one hell of a warrior" - Nick Kyrgios reacts to Rafael Nadal's retirement announcement
Rafael Nadal posted his retirement announcement video on X, and Nick Kyrgios reposted it with a heartfelt response.
"We had our differences but you were one hell of a warrior. Best wishes and goodluck with whatever comes next."
The 22-time Grand Slam champion thanked his rivals, fans, family, and team for their involvement and support in his incredible tennis journey which lasted over two decades.
Nadal is set to play his final professional tennis matches at the Davis Cup Finals in November. Spain will face the Netherlands in the quarterfinals, with a potential semifinal clash against either Canada or Germany, if they advance.
This will mark the end of Nadal's illustrious career, as he aims to help Spain secure the prestigious Davis Cup trophy for the fifth time in his career.