Serena Williams has paid tribute to Rafael Nadal’s career with a touching video.
The 23-time Grand Slam champion donned a Nadal t-shirt and his signature headband to say farewell to the Spanish tennis icon.
Nadal is retiring at the Davis Cup Finals. He lost his singles match to Botic van de Zandschulp but could be back in action if Spain progress in the tournament.
Nadal is saying farewell to professional tennis this week. The 38-year-old is representing Spain one final time at the Davis Cup Finals, where they face the Netherlands in a knockout quarter-final.
Ahead of Spain’s tie on Tuesday, Nadal’s rivals and colleagues took to social media to wish him the best for his retirement.
Roger Federer penned an emotional letter to his old foe while the likes of Sebastian Korda and Casper Ruud changed their Instagram profile photos to Nadal’s bull logo.
And Serena Williams got involved as she shared multiple tweets and a heartfelt Instagram video, saying farewell to Nadal’s career. Several Nike athletes were gifted a special Nadal t-shirt ahead of his retirement, and the American was one of them.
She filmed a video wearing the shirt and a matching bandana, sending a message to the 22-time Major winner. “Alright, is this thing rolling? Got my Rafa gear together,” Williams said.
Adjusting the headband, she added: “Got it Rafa tight. We’re gonna always love you, we’re gonna always miss you. But let’s go. This isn’t a retirement, right? You’re moving on!”
Williams also took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to share her feelings about Nadal’s retirement. “Why am I getting so choked up. With @RafaelNadal retirement. I’m not good at goodbyes,” she wrote.
And the retired tennis legend was touched by Federer’s tribute to Nadal. The Swiss star wrote a lengthy open letter to his long-time rival on Tuesday morning, telling him: “You made me enjoy the game even more.”
He added: “Rafa, I know you’re focused on the last stretch of your epic career. We will talk when it’s done. For now, I just want to congratulate your family and team, who all played a massive role in your success.
“And I want you to know that your old friend is always cheering for you, and will be cheering just as loud for everything you do next.”
After reading the letter, Williams replied: “Well said,” adding some tearful emojis.
It might not be farewell for Nadal just yet. If Spain win the second singles match and the decisive doubles rubber, they will advance to Friday’s semi-final. It remains to be seen whether the 38-year-old takes to the court again if his nation progresses.
