Rafael Nadal just really loved playing tennis

[@JBSikes]

Will miss you, Rafa. Thanks for two decades of tennis brilliance that will supply us with a lifetime of memories!

[@cinramirez8627]

The only reason that I started watching tennis many years ago. Gracias, Rafa! ❤

[@Nate-Murray-]

My favorite player for sure. Humility, respect, integrity off the court. On the court: passion, fire, never give up mentality. We will miss you Rafa 🇪🇸

[@Roxy-uz6ys]

The most level-headed and down to earth athlete ❤kudos not only to him but to uncle Toni and his parents for raising an amazing man and role model.

[@samanafisher8825]

Have loved and appreciated Rafa since his early days. His passion, total commitment and highest sportsmanship and humility kept me riveted to his journey. The newer young fellows are really good/great but seems my love and interest in the sport centered on him, Roger and Serena. Not interested in watching tennis now minus all three. Wish him the best in life with his dear friends and family.

[@Veryhungrycaterpillarrr]

5:00 Rafa’s sentiment here is so special. I’m always in such admiration of his positive attitude, he just refuses to give negative thoughts any attention. Acknowledge them, recognize that dwelling on them serves no purpose and move on with your chin up. He took losses so damn well, and he was so gracious in defeat and in victory. He was my dad’s goat, so he became my goat. I’ll never forget staying up until 7 am with my dad and my brother to watch him make that miracle comeback to win the Australian, or going to Indian wells that year to see him in person the one time (making the final). An absolute gladiator of a competitor, he played every match like his life was on the line. His drive, passion, and raw spirit was a unique thrill to watch. Thank you, Rafa Nadal. It’s been a privilege.

[@michelez715]

Excellent comment. I agree with you about his positive attitude and never giving up. I was up in the small hours watching that AO final, and I gave up Rafa for dead, but he thought otherwise!

[@CG68810]

Rafa Nadal has been the greatest ambassador of sport ever. He is the epitome of competitiveness, professionalism, humility, and accomplishment. In a time of bravado, arrogance, and self-promotion, this man laughs in the face of all and does it with the admiration of everyone. Roger also has shown all these qualities and that is why they were the rivalry that sport needed. Rafa though seems to be the most secure of all with leaving the sport and being content with all he accomplished as he knows it does not define him as a human being. It enhances him.

[@NBAballToWalls]

I am the same age as Rafa and I began watching him at age 18. This is such a sorrowful day for me. I must have watched thousands of hours of his matches no matter what time of day or night they were on. MOST IMPORTANTLY, it gave me and my father (who is now 78 years old) something to bond over, be emotionally invest in together and most importantly - make memories together. From the bottom of my heart, Thank you Rafa. You ARE the greatest sportsman of all time

[@yankeegirl890]

❤❤❤

[@alex-nade]

I remember going to university classes without zero hours of sleep in me because I stayed up all night to watch his AO matches. The only player I ever stayed up like that for. He had such a long career and his bursting onto the scene at 18 was iconic and always will be.

[@NBAballToWalls]

@@alex-nade Ha we have a lot in common Alex. AO was always the one where I got the least amount of sleep. Without a doubt the only athlete that I have followed/watched their matches no matter what time it was for me

[@dogdaybreak3157]

Long life Rafa. One of the best and entertaining players ever. One of the classiest ever. One of the humblest ever. A true gift to the world of tennis and tennis history.

[@roniaz7616]

Amazing human being. I will miss Rafa on court, just as so many of his devoted fans will. I was stuck to the TV every time he was on court. I’ve watched you grow since 2005, and although I never had the opportunity to watch you in person..I was mesmerized by your dedication, your humility but most of all what stays with me is your PASSION! Well done young man. Thank you for all the memories Rafa ♥️💛

[@lettyaranas6298]

Rafans will greatly missed you rafa. For sure tennis will never be the same without you playing. As one of your million fans i just want to thank you because of you i embrace to love tennis . Now that you are retiring i feel i cant appreciate the sport anymore but still will follow you on the next level you are going . Good luck to your future endeavors outside the sport. Praying and hoping for your continued success whatever you want to do after this retirement. So sad but glad to know that you will now living life without pressure and injuries . Enjoy your life now with your beloved family. May the good Lord bless and keep you and the whole family always. Im so grateful that im a rafans long time ago till forever.

[@karenstyres7190]

Rafa and Fed - icons that stand alone for their outstanding athleticism and incomparable, humble humanity. ❤

[@davidbosquette4798]

It will NEVER be the same without the legend. He is a walking icon. For me as a major fan of his for 20 years watching with pure intense, amazed joy from 🇮🇪 Rafa Nadal is simply The Goat ❤

[@drs2811]

The way that he talked about retiring, and how the human relationships are the most important, made me smile :) Thank you Rafa for all. Vamosssssss

[@andyroo9381]

One of the best players in all of sport. He is my GOAT and I will miss him so much. Rafael Nadal reignited my love for tennis. It will be dismal without him.

[@russellmurphy7109]

Just a class act in every way. Thanks for two decades of entertainment RAFA! 👏👏

[@tabularasa7711]

With every bit of excellence in the style of his game, his footwork, characteristic swing, focus, and the math Rafa did to try to win every point; and then recalibrate quickly when it was not. His winning was so exciting, and he lost with such grace. It was exciting to watch him. He brought so many people into loving tennis. Gracias and Vamos Rafa!

[@stephenscharf6293]

What an absolutely incredible human being. His amazing tennis accomplishments aside, I think of Rafa as a role model for being the best person one can be: for always thiinking about *making a contribution to Society,* and demonstrating *leadership and integrity* in the journey of Life. For the last 20 years, as well as going forward into the future, Rafa will always be an inspiration and a role model for me.

[@WilliamAllnutt]

Well put

[@thewaysofliving5361]

Mr Nadal you will be greatly missed but us fans more then we can explain in words. Thank for all of, every game, set and match. All the hours were you showed us how good you are. You are buy far one of the absolutely best tennis 🎾 player ever. I wish all good and love that will come your way and I hope your second part of life will be as exiting as all the years in tennis. Thank you. ❤❤❤

[@susanwalker7105]

Nadal..a class act...

[@mendesnelson]

Refreshing to see a legend who has great perspective on life

[@KingCast65]

He's such a chill pup. Sad to see him on his way. Glad he was here for quite some time.

[@innerbusinesscoaching4560]

Rafa is the best!!! Thank you for such dedication & stay happy!

[@PAVEL-JAKL]

I loved watching Rafa play, we all gonna miss him 🥺

[@KCS210]

The most down to earth athlete and my favorite tennis player, Rafael Nadal!❤

[@cesarfernandezlopez5063]

THE REAL GOAT < THE QUINTESSENTIAL TENNIS GENTLEMAN < INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE TENNIS COURTS!! VAMOOOOS RAFAAAAA!!! WE ARE GOING TO MISS YOU SO MUCH MAESTRO!

[@POK2008]

To say I'm going to miss seeing Rafa on tour is an understatement

[@elbis1964]

Mentality giant. I have seen videos of 12-14 year old Rafa and even as a kid, he is insanely rational and mature. I have barely seen him lose his cool while playing tennis and being asked dumb questions by the reporters. His demeanor sets him apart.

[@itsmeprasad1987]

My GOAT

[@edisonsubandi7231]

Can you imagine if he got less injured? Novak can be said most healthy athlete in tennis won 24 till now. Thats why Nadal is GOAT. He won 22 grand slams with many changes style of plays. First few years he played with much spin then changed more power even serve changed also put less spins in few last years and Finally he played more serve volleys. Well done Rafa❤

[@asud2571]

He was too unreliable to show up to big events...Fed and Djoker always prepered themselves properly to show and go deep in big events. We shouldn't give him free slams just because he either didn't train or do recovery properly after training and got injured.

[@SarahatAccentEquip]

It's incredible how he was able to adapt his game so much to all the different surfaces - more than Roger and Novak, I have to agree. He was always finding the smallest ways to improve in all aspects of his game. I will miss this era of tennis so much!

[@meldkmo9290]

People who choose to remember him as only a clay court player is ridiculous, he has 6 hard court Grand Slam Trophies and as many US Opens as Djokovic and only 1 behind Federer etc... He is just and will always be the most dominant and mostly unbeatable person at the French Open. Djokovic will have to win 4 more Australian Opens to equal that accomplishment. For me, he is my idol for the humility, fight and motivation.

[@andyroo9381]

I see what you are saying about Novak needing to win 4 more AO's. But is it really the same as winning 14 French Open titles? I remember watching an interview, with tennis greats, about Nadal and his titles. I believe Nadal may have been playing for his 10th French Open title that year (La Decima). They each said the French Open is the hardest Grand Slam to win. Matches are longer on the clay. It is harder on your body because you are on court longer, etc. So, I don't know if 14 AO titles is the same as 14 FO titles. We can each have our own opinion on that. Lastly, Nadal won 3 or 4 French Open titles without losing one set, all the way to the final and including the final. That is a "perfect tournament". Rafael Nadal is The King Of Clay for a reason.

[@aBeatleFan4ever]

Rafa has won EIGHT grand slam tournaments that were NOT on clay. That's more than McEnroe had in his full career. It's as many as Connors, Lendl and Agassi had in their entire career.

[@aBeatleFan4ever]

@@andyroo9381 - Rafa won 4 French Opens without losing a set. That is the most GS titles any player has won without losing a set. He also has won THIRTY tournaments during his career without losing a set. No one else has as many.

[@meldkmo9290]

@andyroo9381 I agree with you 100%, the French is the hardest to win and I am a die hard Rafa fan, but he is not a one stop shop like other "people's" fan claim that he is "claydal." He also made to several Wimbledon and hard court finals many to 5 sets, he is my GOAT.

[@aBeatleFan4ever]

@@meldkmo9290 - Yes... Rafa had 6 finals at the Ausie open, 5 at Wimbledon and 5 at the U.S. Open. Sampras, Agassi, Lendl, McEnroe, Borg, Connors... NONE of them had 5 finals at every slam.

[@arbibark7]

My personal GOAT. Unbelievable athlete, best competitor of all time, even better human being.

[@buttercup000]

One of my favorites. He will be missed in future tournaments.

[@TPBurket]

I just remind myself - he is retiring from the Tour and not Tennis the sport - with his academy and influence we will have decades ahead of us where we will still see the effects of his legacy.

[@michelez715]

True, but I will miss seeing Baby Rafa. He's as big a hit as his Dad.

[@ce7768]

@@michelez715 True. I don't think he will just quietly into the night. Let's hope both him/Roger are cooking up things to ensure Fedal fans are interested still in the sport..

[@gilliangiles7773]

Rip Grandie he was my grandmothers favorite tennis player totally obsessed with him from the beginning

[@marcotrujillo7364]

Ja ja tu abuelita, your granny. Salute from Spain

[@drsgopi]

what a champ! thank you, Rafa!

[@JoaoSilva-rb3xk]

My GOAT Rafa, you'll be missed a lot! He is the reason I started watching tennis and loved the sport ever since.

[@martyknox]

Glad that he was able to respond in his native tongue rather than his broken English. We get a clearer insight into his thoughts when he can speak freely.

[@WilliamAllnutt]

My precise thought 😊

[@OwnRules1]

Indeed - as much as most people know that he's a very intelligent player & man, he simply doesn't (can't) respond with nearly the same depth he does in Spanish when speaking English. Throughout his career he's gone on at length in many a Spanish interview on such diverse topics as politics, religion, feminism, public health, and more. You might disagree with some of his views - e.g. like myself, he's an atheist - but he always comes across as knowledgeable on what he speaks though never arrogant, and the reasons why he's reached the conclusions he has. It's a pleasure listening to him.

[@carefreedelight2355]

Adios you most noble and relatable of sportsmen. I shall miss you. I have watched you from the beginning and remained with you ever since. You may think it has ended but you and your games will be in all our memories for always!

[@disturbia1378]

Where's the full episode?

[@crosbyyacht]

It was a special era in tennis and incredible to watch so many of Rafa's matches.

[@jackiedavids2067]

After 21 years of supporting Rafa, tennis will not be the same without him. My favourite player and the greatest imo. He's taught us so many life lessons. He is so Loved and will be greatly missed. #GraciasRafa 🙏🏽💪🏽❤️🇪🇦

[@brianweber465]

Fire in the belly for competition all class showed humility and set the bar for sportsmanship - if you have children emulate this athlete, with immense gratitude Rafa-thx u!!

[@albertcamus5970]

So nice to have a great who loved the sport. It's too bad that Agassi always whines about tennis. Makes me so sad..

[@douglaslaidlaw5961]

In my lifetime, I've never seen a competitor in any field go all out on EVERY single point, and that is not an exaggeration. The other tennis athlete who came to mind was Michael Chang. Nadal's grit and determination was incomprehensible to watch. As a Federer fan, at first, I did not like the emotional outbursts of Rafa, but in reality I was threatened by someone else beating my favorite player. As time went on and the tennis pundits' early claims that Rafa would have a short career because he exerted too much force, was clearly wrong after a 20 year career (yes, Nadal suffered many injuries especially to his foot), Rafael won me over with his humility and pretty much everything else he did, because well, he's pure class. I grew up watching legends like Connors, McEnroe, Lendl, Wilander, Becker, Edberg, Sampras, Agassi. Nadal and the other two were somehow more than legends; they were tennis gods. Thank you, Rafael Nadal.

[@michelez715]

I don't know what you mean by "emotional outbursts", that's not Rafa's way. Sure, he celebrated some of his miraculous shots, but he was not offensive. He didn't swear, intimidate linespeople, argue with the umpire or break racquets.

[@douglaslaidlaw5961]

@@michelez715 I mean his “vamos” moments when he yelled and pumped his arms after winning a point. I didn’t mean to imply anything negative. He was simply extremely happy, but as a biased fan back when he started, I looked for reasons to find something that I didn’t like. I quickly admired him to no end. He’s as big as a class act as anyone in tennis.

[@tcoylesq1]

That 2008 Wimbledon final was great!

[@alistairarchibald1312]

all respect to Djokovic and Federer but this guy is the best ever

[@zovbets]

you have to be joking man. the best ever will dominate every surface. right?

[@alistairarchibald1312]

@@zovbets you are most welcome to your own opinion

[@matebreskovic5880]

​@@alistairarchibald1312 nadal is inflation player. Noles best Fed goat Nadal clay

[@matebreskovic5880]

​@@zovbetsnadal is neither the BOAT or GOAT. He is only clay king.

[@indranichandrasekaran1042]

Rafael Nadal never lost in the Roland Garros final! All 14 finals, 14 win the Championship 🏆. This is the special that nobody had done!!

[@totallyrandom1126]

That’s a man with great insight and perspective. He will flourish in retirement because he has a broad sense of what life has to offer. Good for him. He’s one of my two favorites of all time. Enjoy retirement Rafa!!!

[@mirrrie]

I will miss you rafa

[@GHilton-rz9xx]

There will never be another Rafa Nadal. At his best, before all the injuries began to rob him of his speed and tennis arsenal of weapons, the very best. His classic 2008 Wimbledon Final win against his now close friend Roger Federer is a must-see. Proved he was not just a great clay-court player. His personality and graciousness also obviously add to his remarkable legacy.

[@rudy1322]

Rafa was and is loved for his passion for the game and for his humility as a person

[@WilliamAllnutt]

Love his personality

[@vasilyankovivanov736]

My Goat, what a player and a fighter.

[@alberts2208]

There will never be another Rafa!

[@stephen1462]

Wertheim is absolutely correct. Television does not capture the power and athleticism of professional tennis. If you ever get to see professionals play at court level, you’ll think every shot is a winner until you see them run the ball down and keep hitting it back. Professional tennis players are incredible athletes, combining quickness, agility, hand-eye coordination, and strength, and the top ones like Rafa are beyond belief.

[@laphelps1]

Love Rafa ❤ will miss him immensely 😢

[@Listenthenspk]

My favorite ATP Player... truly the end of an era

[@daniels3899]

the most humble dude

[@henry-bo3np]

Rafa, thank you!

[@garygarelick6926]

My favorite athlete of all time...The best.

[@beryl8285]

Rafael Nadal just really loved playing tennis and we just really loved watching him play!

[@carolchen2320]

The reason I play tennis and watch tennis and the reason I am a better person! Happy retirement Rafa!

[@khc8800]

He should get as much admiration and adoration for his retirement as Federer got for his. True legend.

[@NakedEyes-lm3bj]

We will you, Rafa! ❤❤❤

[@rahulshankar7859]

It's finally starting to sink in, slowly. That era is finally over. Incredible.

[@arethaball2737]

I will miss seeing you playing wonderful player wish you the best!!!

[@barbaramelendez7388]

Simplemente un campeón, un caballero una persona con muchísima integridad ❤Nadal es Fantástico ❤❤que seas feliz siempre con tu familia ❤

[@alldecentnamestaken]

An absolute class act. Rafael will be missed.

[@TebowTheNextKilmer]

You STILL can play tennis. Your body gave all it had to give and it made you the greatest lefty tennis player ever. Now enjoy your supermodel and play with no fear of losing and no pressure to win.

[@kopec82]

Vamos Rafa! We love you in Mexico! And we are going to miss you!

[@andreward3417]

Legend. As good a person as he is a player

[@jonbonesmahomes7472]

Yep,i prepared myself for this already 2-3 years ago and i remember talking to my friends about Rafa,was completely ready for his retirement,was satisfied with what he has achieved and gave to us ,his fans throughout his career . It was easy for me to accept his retirement cos he really gave it all in those 20+ years. I remember it all. From his Puerta RG final2005.,3 consecutive Fed finals in 06,07 and 08.,that Wimby final08,how he destroyed Fed mentally in those 6-7 months,first demolished him in RG final08 ,then took Feds Wimby in his yard,and finally beat him against all the odds to secure his 1st AO 09. Before that match in AO09 ,i remember ,all tennis analysts gave the advantage to Fed,just cos Nadal had 1 day less to recover after that grueling semis with Verdasco ,6 hours long semis. But backthen Nadal was so young ,so full of strength,he managed to beat Fed. I remember that 3rd set in the USO final 2013 against Djokovic,it was a miracle how he won that third set,RG semis that year againt Djokovic,the one with a Djokovic net touch ,amazing match. I remember all his big matches,but i remember Nadal being humble and a nice person from day 1,always respectful to everyone. When i was 17 and Nadal 16 ,me playing against my friends in my tennis club,i said to them this guy will be the number 1 and one of the best ever,they laughed at me,haah,noone is laughing today. Nadal lived all my dreams and i was so happy living them with him all these years. Being a lefty myself,loved tennis more than anything,but only some of them are meant to be,the rest of us can watch and admire. Thanks Rafa from another Rafa(my friends call me Rafa since i was 17 ,because of Rafa😂) Thanks for all the years,you’ll always be there in my sports idols book together with Ayrton Senna and His Airness MJ❤

[@jedilady4485]

Rafa Forever!!!

[@jflow5601]

GOAT

[@jimmyzbike]

A league above legends on the court and off.

[@cjohnson7508]

Already missing him :(

[@YourFaveTennisGirl]

I WILL MISS YOU RAFA YOU WERE MY TENNIS CHILDHOOD😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@Larry-kl6fu]

I will miss rafa he was my inspiration

[@frankyhonnolus5528]

A player that made me realize that not all people play soccer in Spain 😂 What an incredible talent.

[@bradkarlzahn-bp6jx]

It's been an Honor getting to watch your progression through the sport, Rafa...as with Fed and Novak...best wishes for health and happiness in the next Chapter! Say hi to Roger for me! I need a print of the pic of the three of you...killer!!!! 🫶😎🎾🥇🏅🏆 🇺🇸🗽🇺🇸

[@tjPennings]

If I could spend an afternoon with anyone on earth, it would be Rafa Nadal - - - preferably on his yacht.

[@marijatrajkovska1580]

RAFAEL IKONA ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤😂

[@GGsItsOver]

4:50 absolutely hilarious statement but i wont get into that today. I wish Rafa all the best for his Future :) maybe we see him as a Coach one day

[@HerbertMiranda-w5k]

Erik Landing

[@bitwamet]

Why Spanish he knows English well

[@MashuCashew]

I don't care for professionals who abuse steroids. Nadal used steroids for years. Doesn't deserve the documentary.

[@pdxtim97209]

The GOAT in all of sport.

[@mercuryrising4323]

Simply unique in tennis and as a human being. Bravo Rafael Nadal.

[@alcalavi]

El Numero 1!!!! BRAVO RAFA!!!

[@wimzswimz9843]

The rivalry between Djokovic and Nadal: - 2 GS more for Djokovic while Nadal has 8 ATP 500 more than Djokovic. So, it's a tie. - 4 ATP Masters more for Djokovic. 4 ATP Masters = 2 GS - 7 ATP Finals for Djokovic while Nadal doesn't have any. 7 ATP Finals = 5 GS + ATP 500 - 2 ATP 250 more for Djokovic. 2 ATP 250 = 1 ATP 500 - Extra. 4 times runner up of GS more for Djokovic. 4 silver GS = 2 GS + 1 ATP 500 + 1 ATP 250 If the people feel strange about why Djokovic has 219 weeks at no. 1 more than Nadal, then those are statistics i just posted!

[@Frenzinh0]

Roger and rafa are like Ferrari and Porsche of tennis.

[@t-bone7988]

Rename Phillip Chateriey whatever to Nadal Stadium!

[@matebreskovic5880]

If anyone deserves it

[@t-bone7988]

@@matebreskovic5880 yep it's him

[@matebreskovic5880]

@@t-bone7988 even though for me Nadal is inflation player who cant be the best(Nole) or goat (Federer) what he did on clay will never be done in any sport,ever.

[@philippebaaklini4955]

@@matebreskovic5880 inflation player? lol... only player ever to have 470 + wins on hard courts and clay courts, won as many US Opens as Novak and has a better record than him there. Reached 5 consecutive wimbledon finals in his peak on grass, winning twice, and losing only to novak and roger. Novak has stat padded the last few years against berretini kyrgios tsitsipas and co in slam finals. Rafa is definitely the greatest of all time, even with all his injuries.

[@matebreskovic5880]

@@philippebaaklini4955 I am taking the high road Nole BOAT Fed GOAT Nadal clay Everyone happy. If you take out RG,nole has 21 fed 19 and nadal 8. Inflation.

[@SidelineFilmz]

Love it

[@pioneercolonel]

Vamos!

[@marinaacosta4306]

Rafa Rafa you are the best

[@LeeReddy-u3v]

Doyle Flats

[@luiscastaneda3208]

Why he isn’t respond in English?

[@hilliaryk]

G O A T.

[@ThomasEston-s330]

What's wrong with the audio? Sounds like it was edited by AI :o

[@ynyn1997]

It has always been a privilege. Forever.