“It has been an honor to witness your journey and call you a friend,” Cristiano Ronaldo reacts to Rafael Nadal’s tennis retirement

Cristiano Ronaldo congratulated 'friend' Rafael Nadal on his incredible career and wished him well in retirement.

“It has been an honor to witness your journey and call you a friend,” Cristiano Ronaldo reacts to Rafael Nadal’s tennis retirement

Cristiano Ronaldo and Rafael Nadal (via Virtual Expo Dubai, Imago)

Rafael Nadal shocked the tennis world on Thursday (October 10) by announcing his retirement. The Spaniard, who has been struggling with injuries recently, ended all speculation by stating that he has decided to hang up his racket.

Nadal has declared that he will compete in his final professional event at the Davis Cup Finals, which will be held from November 19-24 in Malaga. He gave the news through a video posted on various social media platforms.

YouTube video

From fans to players, both in tennis and from other sports, everyone was quick to react to the news and wish him well in retirement. Among the many was soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.

FS Video

The Portuguese, writing in Spanish, congratulated the 38-year-old on his incredible career and stated that he had inspired many millions around the world. Ronaldo further said that he was proud to call Nadal his friend.

Rafa, what an incredible career you’ve had! Your dedication, passion and incredible talent have inspired millions around the world. It has been an honor to witness your journey and be able to call you a friend. Congratulations on an amazing career! Enjoy your retirement!

Cristiano Ronaldo wrote

During his career, Rafael Nadal won 22 Grand Slam men’s singles titles (including a record 14 French Opens), was ranked the World No. 1 for 209 weeks, and also clinched two Olympic gold medals (in singles at the 2008 Beijing Games and in doubles at the 2016 Rio Games).

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Cristiano Ronaldo weighed in on the GOAT debate between Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic

For soccer fans, Cristiano Ronaldo is regularly involved in GOAT (Greatest Of All Time) debates alongside Lionel Messi. However, when Ronaldo recently launched his own YouTube channel, he tackled the issue of GOAT in other sports in a segment called ‘This or That’ challenge.

Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic posing for a picture before Paris Olympics match
Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal (via Imago)

When asked to choose between various sports and their stars, Ronaldo picked the NBA over the NFL. He then went for Michael Jordan ahead of Steph Curry in basketball. When it came to tennis, however, he could not give a prompt reply.

When the names of Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic appeared, he took some time to think about who his favorite was between the two. The Al-Nassr captain, after deliberation, picked both as his favorites.

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Jannik Sinner and Rafael Nadal

Interestingly, besides being friends, Nadal and Ronaldo are also business partners. The pair have partnered with NBA legend Pau Gasol to open TATEL, a fine-dining restaurant in Dubai. There are also branches in Madrid, Ibiza, Beverly Hills, and Mexico City.