Updated 14 February 2025 at 20:10 IST
'Great Example Of Struggle': Rafael Nadal Pays Heartwarming Homage To His Former Rival After Latter Embraces Retirement
22-time Grand Slam Champion Rafael Nadal congratulates his former rivals who has taken the Spaniard's route and has joined him in the retirement bandwagon.
Tennis icon and 22-time Grand Slam Champion Rafael Nadal pays homage to Diego Schwartzman, who recently called time in his illustrious career. Nadal put the on-court rivalry aside to congratulate Schwartzman, who had once handed Nadal an upset loss during the Italian Open in 2020. The tennis great showered praise on the recently retired Argentine star and reminisced about the competitions they had when he was an active tennis player in the circuit. Rafa posted a thoughtful message for Diego on the social media platform 'X' (formerly Twitter).
Rafael Nadal Posts Heartwarming Post For The Retiring Diego Schwartzman
Former World No. 8 Diego Schwartzman has announced his retirement from the professional Tennis circuit after being handed a 6-2, 6-2 defeat by Pedro Martinez in the second round at the ATP 250 Argentina Open. The Argentine had announced his intentions to retire in May 2024, and he received a wildcard entry at the Buenos Aires event to bid adieu. He defeated world number 07 Nicolas Jarry in the first round before being defeated by Martinez. Rafael Nadal shared his heartwarming thoughts for the retiring Argentine Tennis star.
"Congratulations @dieschwartzman on your great race! You have been a great example of struggle and overcoming and I am glad that we have shared so many moments on the circuit. Enjoy your next stage!" Nadal tweeted.
In response, Diego Schwartzman tweeted, "Rafa. Thank you for letting me share so many moments on and off the court. You are, were and will be a legend forever. You taught tennis a lot, and thank you for once letting me beat you."
Jannik Sinner, Djokovic Come Forward To Congratulate Schwartzman
World number one Jannik Sinner, who has teamed up in doubles with Diego Schwartzman in the past, has also come forward to congratulate the Argentine tennis player for the lasting legacy he will leave behind. He complimented his career and the game of a person he has been and wished him luck for his next chapter in life.
Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam Champion, also congratulated Schwartzman for his run in the circuit. He wrote, "Friend!! Congratulations on an incredible career," on Instagram.
Diego Schwartzman has enjoyed a pretty successful run in the tennis circuit. He has reached a career-high ranking as world number eight and has won 4 ATP titles in his 251 career wins. He also emerged as a semi-finalist in the Roland Garros and appeared in the ATO Finals, which happened in 2020. He also defeated Rafael Nadal in clay, and it is one of his major career highlights. As the Argentine calls time in his career, he leaves a legacy to be remembered.
Published By : Pavitra Shome
Published On: 14 February 2025 at 20:09 IST