Rafael Nadal's announcement of his retirement next month has sparked a wave of tributes from across the sporting world. The tennis legend, who has claimed 22 Grand Slam titles and held the world No. 1 ranking for 209 weeks, shared the news in a heartfelt video on social media, describing it as a "difficult decision." Nadal's retirement, set to take place after the upcoming Davis Cup Finals, has drawn emotional responses from fellow athletes and fans alike. Roger Federer expressed his sentiments, stating, "I hoped this day would never come," while other sports icons like Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappé joined rising stars Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz in honoring Nadal's legacy. The outpouring of affection highlighted Nadal's status as a "legend," "role model," and "inspiration" to many, reflecting the profound impact he has had on the sport and beyond. As the tennis community prepares to bid farewell to one of its greatest players, the admiration for Nadal's contributions to the game continues to resonate.