Even all-time greats have idols, and Serena Williams’ is Rafael Nadal.
As Nadal battled with Botic van de Zandschulp on Tuesday in the Davis Cup Finals, in possibly the last match of his career as a professional tennis player, Williams became the latest of Nadal’s colleagues to write a tribute to the retiring Spaniard on social media. In it, the former world No. 1 wrote all the ways in which Nadal was an inspiration to her throughout her career as she donned Nike-branded apparel with Nadal’s logo and likeness.
Read more: ‘Your old friend is always cheering for you’: Roger Federer pens letter to retiring Rafael Nadal
“I feel so fortunate to have been able to play when you were playing and being great,” the 24-time Grand Slam singles champion wrote. “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!”
Accompanying her heartfelt caption congratulating Nadal on a career that “most won’t dare to dream of,” Williams filmed a video wearing the shirt and a matching bandana, sending a message to the man with whom she danced with as singles champions at the 2010 Wimbledon ball: “Alright, is this thing rolling? Got my Rafa gear together.”
Read more: ‘Gracias Rafa:’ Experiencing Nadal’s final farewell at 2024 Davis Cup
As she adjusted 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!”
Other Nike sponsored athletes, Bianca Andreescu and Mirra Andreeva among them, also shared images of themselves receiving and wearing the gear on their own social media channels.
“Showing appreciation for Spain’s finest today,” wrote Andreescu with the hashtag #rafaforever, while 17-year-old rising star Andreeva thanked Nadal for “inspiring everyone.”
