“Lessons he taught young players…” Jannik Sinner says ‘unbelievable person’ Rafael Nadal’s retirement decision is ‘tough news’

Jannik Sinner reacted to Rafael Nadal's retirement news after his quarterfinal win over Daniil Medvedev at the Shanghai Masters.

“Lessons he taught young players…” Jannik Sinner says ‘unbelievable person’ Rafael Nadal’s retirement decision is ‘tough news’

Rafael Nadal, Jannik Sinner (Images via X)

On Thursday (October 10), Rafael Nadal sent shockwaves in the tennis community as he announced his retirement on social. Jannik Sinner, who is chasing the Shanghai Masters, was asked about Nadal’s retirement upon reaching the semifinals, after victory over Daniil Medvedev 6-1, 6-4. 

The tennis world has been wishing him the best for his future, but they will have another chance to watch Nadal play. The 22-time Grand Slam champion will feature in the Davis Cup for Spain in Malaga in November.

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Fans had always anticipated that Nadal would hang up his racket toward the end of this season. When Sinner was asked about Nadal’s retirement news, the Italian heaped massive praise on the tennis legend, saying it’s “tough news” for the sporting world and calling him an “unbelievable person“. 

FS Video

Of course, the player, we all saw how good he has been as a player, and, you know, the lessons he taught us, the young players, how to behave on the court, how to handle situations on the court, tough situations. Yeah, he gave all of us a lot of emotions when we saw him playing. And also to stay humble, you know, at the same time, not changing with success, choosing the right people around him, having a great family.

Jannik Sinner said at the press conference 
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Coco Gauff lauds Rafael Nadal for his work ethic

From Roger Federer to Cristiano Ronaldo to other sporting clubs, heartwarming messages are coming from all directions after Rafael Nadal made the shocking announcement. Katie Boulter refused to accept Nadal’s retirement application, while Coco Gauff wished him the best for his next chapter in life. 

Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal (Image via X)

You are amazing! It’s been so incredible to witness your greatness and work ethic and be able to learn from it. Wishing you all the best in the next chapter.

Coco Gauff wrote on Instagram

Nadal turned pro in 2001 and has won 92 tour-level titles. He spent 209 weeks at No.1 and has 22 Grand Slams including a record 14 French Opens. Nadal is 12-7 on the season and has not lifted a title due to fitness problems. He was able to reach the final just once, at the Swedish Open.

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In his final tournament, Spain will play the quarterfinal against the Netherlands. The Davis Cup team also includes Carlos Alcaraz, with whom Nadal played his last match when they both paired up for the Paris Olympics.