Tennis News Today: Rafael Nadal's retirement shocks Carlos Alcaraz; Roger Federer & Novak Djokovic send special messages to Spaniard following his big announcement
Rafael Nadal announced his retirement from professional tennis after the Davis Cup knockouts in Malaga. Tennis stars like Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic penned emotional messages for the Spanish star. Meanwhile, Carlos Alcaraz also spoke about his compatriot's retirement after his defeat at the Shanghai Masters.
In other news, Nick Kyrgios sent a message asking Nadal to postpone his retirement. Additionally, Brad Gilbert was surprised to see New York Yankees star Aaron Judge struggle during the MLB playoffs.
On that note, here are the today's top tennis news:
Roger Federer among the first players to react to Rafael Nadal's retirement
Rafael Nadal announced his retirement through a video message posted on his social media account. The Spaniard announced that he will retire from professional tennis after the Davis Cup knockout stages.
After his announcement, Roger Federer was one of the first people to comment on the Spaniard's retirement, claiming that he hoped that this day would never come. The Swiss star further added that it was an honor to compete with Nadal throughout his career.
"What a career, Rafa! I always 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!", Federer wrote.
Despite their rivalry, Nadal and Federer share a great relationship off the court. Federer retired from professional tennis two years ago at the Laver Cup and played his final match alongside the Spaniard.
Read more: Roger Federer among firsts to react to Rafael Nadal's retirement announcement
Novak Djokovic pens heartfelt note for Rafael Nadal after the Spaniard announces his retirement from tennis
Novak Djokovic sent a heartfelt tribute to his long-term rival Rafael Nadal after the Spaniard announced his retirement from professional tennis. The Serbian promised that he will attend Nadal's final match in Malaga to give him a proper send-off.
Djokovic thanked Nadal for pushing him throughout their rivalry and making him a better player. The Serbian star further added that Nadal has forever cemented his legacy in the tennis folklore. Djokovic ended his message by admitting that he will travel to Malaga to watch Nadal compete for the last time during the Davis Cup.
"You have inspired millions of children to start playing tennis and I think that's probably greatest achievement anyone can wish for. Your legacy will live forever. Thank you for pushing me to the very limit so many times in our rivalry that has impacted me the most as a player. I wish you best possible farewell in Malaga with Davis Cup team of Spain. I will be there in person to pay respect to your stellar career," he added. Djokovic said.
Read more: Novak Djokovic promises Rafael Nadal that he will be attending his farewell tournament with touching tribute to retiring icon
Carlos Alcaraz suffers a shock defeat just hours after Rafael Nadal's retirement announcement
Carlos Alcaraz was knocked out of the quarterfinals of the Shanghai Masters after a defeat against Tomas Machac. Alcaraz claimed that he found out about Nadal's retirement one hour before his match but admitted that it did not play a part in his loss.
Speaking to the media after his match, Alcaraz hailed Nadal as his 'idol' and admitted that the Spaniard's retirement is a tough pill to swallow for him. Alcaraz further added that he is planning on enjoying the time he has left with Nadal on the tour.
"It is a really difficult thing, really difficult news for everybody, and even tougher for me. He has been my idol since I start playing tennis. I look up to him. Proudly, thanks to him, I really wanted to become professional tennis player. Losing him, in a certain way, is going to be difficult for us, so I will try to enjoy as much as I can when he's going to play," Alcaraz said.
Carlos Alcaraz will be part of the Spanish team at the Davis Cup knockout stages in Malaga in what will be Nadal's final matches as a professional tennis player.
Read more: "I was in shock" - Carlos Alcaraz discloses learning about Rafael Nadal's retirement hours before Shanghai loss, pens emotional message
Nick Kyrgios asks Rafael Nadal to postpone his retirement in a unique message to the Spaniard
Nick Kyrgios sent a unique message to Rafael Nadal after the Spanish star announced his retirement from professional tennis. The Aussie asked Nadal to postpone his retirement so the duo can compete one last time.
Kyrgios and Nadal have had their differences in the past but the Australian star left a heartfelt message to Nadal after his retirement. The 29-year-old, who is currently out injured, hailed Nadal as a 'warrior' and wished him luck for his life post-retirement.
"Rafa don’t retire I wanna play you 1 last time," Kyrgios wrote on X.
"We had our differences but you were one hell of a warrior. Best wishes and goodluck with whatever comes next," Kyrgios tweeted.
The last match between Nadal and Kyrgios came at the 2022 BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, with the Spaniard winning 7-6(0), 5-7, 6-4. They were also supposed to meet at the Wimbledon semifinals that year but Nadal withdrew due to an abdominal injury he suffered during his quarterfinal.
Read more: Nick Kyrgios sends unique message to Rafael Nadal after Spaniard announces retirement from tennis
Andre Agassi's former coach Gilbert surprised to see Aaron Judge struggle during the MLB playoffs
Former tennis icon Andre Agassi and Coco Gauff's ex-coach Brad Gilbert were left stunned by Aaron Judge's struggle during the American League Division Series clash against the Kansas City Royals.
Aaron Judge is widely regarded as one of the best baseball players in the world but his recent form has been disappointing, especially during the MLB Playoffs. Judge was awarded the title of AL MVP in 2022 and played a big part in the Yankees playoff run in 2024 with 58 home runs and 144 runs.
Brad Gilbert was left shocked by Judge's poor performance against the Royals and took to Twitter to express his surprise at Judge's form throughout the match.
"Watching some playoff baseball ⚾ haven’t watched much other then Ohtani @FellerBob since I don’t have team anymore for the 1st time in my life, I got Yankees on and flipping back and forth with weather channel, surprised 😮 the Judge 👨⚖ struggling," Gilbert said.
"Not sure there is another sport where a superstar can struggle so mightily in the playoffs like baseball," he added.
Read more: Andre Agassi & Coco Gauff’s ex-coach Brad Gilbert surprised by Yankees star Aaron Judge struggling "mightily" in ALDS Game 3 vs Royals