Gracias Rafa! How The Sporting World Reacted After Nadal Bid Aideu to Tennis

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Gracias Rafa! The sporting world thanked Rafael Nadal after the 22-time Grand Slam champion brought down curtains on his glittering and historic career, which lasted over the past 23 years.

The 38-year-old was beaten in the opening singles rubber of the quarter-finals in the Davis Cup Finals on Tuesday (November 19) as Netherlands defeated Spain 2-1 to reach the final four.

In his final career match, Nadal lost 6-4 6-4 to Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp, and after Spain were dumped out the King of Clay got emotional as a video montage celebrating his career and messages from some of the sports greats played on the screen in Malaga.

His on-court rivals and friends, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray and Serena Williams paid tribute to the 14-time French Open champion via the video message.

While Federer penned a letter to Nadal before the match, Serena and the rest of the sporting world paid tribute to the great after he bid aideu to the game in the early hours of Wednesday (November 20).

"Let's start with the obvious: you beat me - a lot. More than I managed to beat you, the Swiss 20-times Grand Slam champion said. "You challenged me in ways no one else could."

Meanwhile, Serena took to social media stating, "Why am I getting so choked up. With @RafaelNadal retirement. I'm not good at goodbyes." Later she posted a video message on Instagram.

"Congratulations on a career that most wont dare to dream of. I feel so fortunate to have been able to play when you were playing and being Great," Serena posted along with the video in which she tied the head band, a trademark of Nadal.

"You inspired me to be better, to play harder, for fight, to never give up, and to win more. No excuses just play the sport. You legacy will never die. Wow to see your career from the beginning to today was an honor Champ! Long live Rafa!"

From Nike to the many grand slams and tournaments, tributes poured in celebrating Nadal's career after his final professional match on Tuesday (November 19) night.

Over his 23-year career, Nadal won won 92 ATP singles titles, including 22 Grand Slam men's singles titles and 36 ATP Tour Masters 1000 titles. The Spaniard had won the Roland Garros the most, winning on the Parisian clay, a record 14 French Open titles.