RAFAEL NADAL RETIRES: Andy Roddick reaction 

A friend of mine, who is a complete amateur club level player, stayed at Rafas Academy for a few days. She said once that when Rafa wanted to cross her court he would patiently wait and ask for permission, as to not cause disturbance. She was shocked that the man himself in his own sports palace would be so humble towards a total amateur guest of a player ❤

favourite athlete of all time, hard day

Rafa is not just tennis, he is an emotion to millions of his fans worldwide . The passion, the grit, the fighting spirit, the humility, we will miss you goat 🐐😢😭

Andy … please get Rafa on your podcast. ❤❤❤

Utmost respect from Spain listening to this. It makes me feel stupidly proud how much respect you show to a fellow countryman. Hats off Andy and thank you for this!

One of my favorite memories of Rafa, other than watching him play, was at the Australian Open when he consoled Roger after the final. It really changed my perception of him and I gained even more respect for him as a person and not just a tennis player. I'm old enough to have watched many legends of the game retire but with Roger and now Rafa it really hits differently in my tennis heart. ☮️💜

Thank you Andy for the amazing tribute to a living legend , I've met Rafa many times , the guy never changed , humble , modest , always smiling and never said NO for a pic or an autograph . He will be missed on the tour . Long live Rafa Vamos

One of the most impressive things about Nadal that is seldom mentioned is that he achieved all this playing and training through pain for most of his career. I remember one press conference when a journalist starting a question something like "Rafa, now that you're pain free" and Nadal interrupted "No, no, no not pain free. Free from injury. Pain free was a long time ago". The guy's been on almost constant pain medication since 2005. Looking at his court demeanor through that lens, _that_ really says something about character.

Anyone that knows tennis has immense admiration for Rafael Nadal. Well done, Andy.

What a beautiful tribute, Andy. As you said, I love how Rafa's class off and on court has rubbed off of Alcaraz, but also most younger players, such as Sinner. Just for that, Nadal has given such a great example to young players.

I will always consider Rafa the greatest sports athlete I have ever seen. His attitude, grit, and determination are unmatched. Watching him play has been an incredible experience. His remarkable record on the court is admirable, but what truly sets him apart is his ability to compete fiercely for every game and point while remaining respectful and kind. This combination elevates him to another level in my eyes. I've cherished witnessing the golden age of tennis, especially with Rafa and Roger competing against each other. Rafa will forever be a champion, both on and off the court. Vamos Rafa.

It's just unreal realizing Rafa's career is officially over. What an epic ride it's been. I will never ever forget the joy of watching that 2008 Wimbledon final between Rafa and Fed. Greatest match I will ever see in my lifetime. Congrats on an unbelievable career, Rafa.

No one broken racket in his career. No more words to add. Rafa will remembered as the ONE. Thank you Andy for this wonderful tribute. Regards from Spain.

One of the signs of his greatness is how the other players reacted when they were with him. Iga looked like she was in total adoration when she finally was on the same court as Rafa. She could not hide her joy.

My most favorite player of all time. Vamos Rafa. Vamos *LEGEND!* 😢

“Our respect is endless.” That is an awesome quote by Andy about Rafa…Thank you!

Yesterday I cried like a baby. I've been watching Rafa play since 2004... I remember perfectly the match he played against you Andy in Sevilla in the Davis Cup, we were all shocked. As a Spaniard and crazy tennis fan, Rafa has given us so many good times, I can't even start. I remember coming back from high school running to see Nadal play Roland Garros, I would never miss one of his matches (back in the day Spanish public TV transmitted RG), it was the highlight of my day. One thing I would like to say: Rafa has played some of the most spectacular points in the history of tennis, and he did that constantly. I remember watching the matches with my dad and jumping from our seats in disbelief sooo many times. He was a machine of making good moments. So many happy Sundays watching him play and win. At least I can say I've had the privilege of watching him play live a few times. I carry that in my heart. Nadal will be hugely missed in the tennis world. Thanks Andy for your homage, you're great.

Was thinking 🤔 the same..NEVER broke a racket. !! He warned Carlos to be VERY careful about this earlier this year. Like Roger, just GREAT respect for Rafa!!! 🏆 Congratulations 👏👏👏👏👏👏

I first saw Rafa when he played Lleyton Hewitt in the 2004 Australian Open. I'd heard about his potential but hadn't seen him play. Lleyton was in his prime and won in 3 but the first 2 went to tie-breaks before Lleyton put him to the sword in set 3. What struck me watching was that this 17 year old kid was giving one of the best players in the world all he could handle when it was so obvious that there were a lot of improvements to be made in his game. At this point in time his serve was relatively weak, his backhand didn't have enough penetration on hardcourt, he was a bit uncertain with his net play and so on. He just kept on improving and it was a joy to watch him play. Even when I desperately wanted Roger to beat him, I could never dislike him. He just oozed class, as a tennis player and as a person. I'll always remember how he just walked to the net and shook hands with Roger after utterly destroying him in the 2008 French Open final, because he didn't want Roger to feel embarrassed. If I was good enough to slaughter Roger Federer, I'd be letting everyone know about it!

This is where this podcast should live. Amazing analysis! Loved Andy explaining what it felt like to play Rafa.

RAFA what a legend. The most humble champion ever

I'm gonna miss Rafa so much, such a wonderful player, and such a class act. I hope we still see him around the game in the future.

A great and sincere tribute to an amazing player and human being.

For the longest time I was not a Nadal fan because I was a bigger Federer fan. But Nadal eventually won me over. So much so that in the later years I found myself rooting for him even against Federer.

Andy, wonderful tribute. As professional tennis players, you guys will never fully understand the true impact you had on fans because so many people watched you, either live or on TV. I have always been a huge Rafa fan, especially for his humility and how well he is grounded, no matter if he won or lost, rich or poor. I can't say that I will be watching tennis as much but we are sure to see Rafa always involved in tennis. He just loves the game too much and I can't wait to visit his academy. As for you, I have seen you live many times and have always loved your honesty. So happy that you have found your voice with this podcast. Keep up the good work.

The most important line from that beautiful tribute by Andy "Don't you dare peg him as a clay court guy". Absolutely love that line. Thanks for that wonderful tribute. Shows the respect you have for Nadal. I am a lefty and have tried to and failed to imitate Nadal. He has been my source of inspiration all my life. The number of times I have narrated stories about Nadal to my wife is uncountable. The greatest athlete in all of sports!!!

My favourite athlete of all time! Can't believe it will be over soon :( Tennis will never be the same without Rafa

Rafa - a true LEGEND. Respectful, humble a mental giant. You will be missed.💗💗💗

Rafa is one of those handful of legendary sport icons that transcend their sport.

Andy, I have saved this video. I hope Rafa see it because it's just beautiful they way you talk. I will also miss Rafa. I am even emotiional today...

As a young Spanish boy, nothing made me prouder and more accepting of adversity than watching this humble, shy warrior. It was a unique feeling to have hope your guy would win even when every single odd was stacked against him. You NEVER stop watching a Rafa match until that last ball crosses the line.

He is more than one of the best athletes in the world. He is a great human beeing and a true hero. I am at loss of words, this announcement just hits hard.

Wonderful tribute, A Rod. How gloriously fitting to end it with Carlitos in Malaga. The world will be watching.

He will be missed...❤❤❤. Thanks Andy ...Loved they way you spoke about Rafa's career.

The greatest athlete in Spain's history, hands down. What a career!

So many great memories of watching him play. I will miss not just the shot making but the smile.

Legend, Gentleman, Competitor, Fighter, Kind! We be missed! Vamos Rafa! 🎾 🎾🎾

The most influential player of the modern game itself. Set new boundaries for topspin, expectations of returning and passing shots, even changed grip sizes and fashion. Most influential on the game since Ivan Lendl.

It's so nice to have you here Andy, talking about your rivals and people who shared tour with you in such a decent and wholesome way. As a fan of yours, it's a way of still feeling somewhat close to you, even though it's no longer watching you play on a tennis court. You call yourself "normie", having won US Open and achieved No. 1... that's worthy of huge respect for you as well.

Andy, Tears in my eyes listening to you talking about RAFA. You have felt him & his humble greatness. In the midst of all the hardships in Iran, RAFA brought me back to tennis. This is the impact of this extraordinary athlete. I started tennis after watching 1971 Wimbledon final between John Newcombe & Stan Smith. I was put off watching because of some tennis players' jerky theatrics (notably John McEnroe). I would watch here & there but not much. It was his match in Miami v. Roger in 2004 that got me back to watching tennis & follow intensely. RAFA is the only player I woke up anytime @ night to watch. The only player I would watch every single point. The only player whose win brought me immense joy for days, even months & the pain of his losses stayed with me. INCREDIBLE! TENNIS will not be the same for me again. I love him with deep respect & appreciation. ❤💛❤ VAMOS!

I miss Rafa so much I'm crying he is the best , very humble. ❤️❤️❤️🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🎾🎾🎾

Great and smart words. Andy Roddick you are also admirable as tennis player and person. We all miss Rafa and the decades he shared with great tennis players.

Gracias Roddick desde España por este reconocimiento a Rafa. Respeto desde España también para ti, gran campeón de los USA.

Andy, thanks for your amazing tribute to Rafa in which you showed such honesty and respect. I mourn the fact that this great legend will be departing from professional tennis, but I'm thankful to have been privileged to watch him play for so many years. For me, no other player brings the fire, fight and passion on the court the way Rafa has done all his career. Great though his tennis achievements are, Rafa as a person transcends the numbers. His humility, politeness and respect for others are qualities which are truly admirable.

Thanks to Andy for giving us all an idea of what it was like to face Nadal on Clay. We all wonder what made Rafa so great on the clay surface.

Rafa is my all time favorite! Rafa is the reason I started following and watching Tennis. Not only Tennis, he's humble and great sportsmanship. Definitely will miss him one of the Greatest! ❤

Amazing tribute, andy!

😥What a legend! A champion forever.

Great show and words for Rafa, thanks for expressing the gratitude and love in such amazing way. I will always miss Rafa in all senses, for his tennis but mostly as a person for his work ethics. 😢

Hope you have a chance to get Rafa to come on this channel after he officially retires!!! What an amazing man he has been and such an ambassador to the sport!

For me, it was the willingness to show his competitiveness so openly. There was no sense of trying to be cool, no hiding his level of intensity, his emotions or how hard he was working on the court. Instead, he let you see every emotion, which came down to: I have to win this point, and I will do everything I can to do that. And if you did manage to beat him, he always said: “You were better than me today.” No one else was so real.

You can tell the passion that Nadal had for tennis through Andy’s words. Great podcast ❤

Andy, this was a TREMENDOUS podcast that truly defined Rafa’s greatness! Vamos Rafa! And salute to you, Andy, for laying these details out…just an absolutely incredible resume. Well done!

Tears are falling😢😢... Rafa our hero has put an end to his career. Thanks for the respect Andy❤

Masterclass Andy…you highlighted the best of Rafa magnificently 👏👏👏

Thank you so much Andy. I do like the way, you honestly explains the details you talked about Rafa. It confirms us that Rafa is the true Champion, a legend who no one can replicate

This guy is the most exciting humble guy in sport ever 🎉😢🎉

I love how Andy puts Rafa into perspective. People watching on TV have no idea the force that Rafa Nadal was throughout his career. It's no wonder every player ever said playing Rafa was daunting. Will forever be the greatest tenis talent become great of our time.

thank you, Andy for such kind words for our dear Rafa. even though we know it will come, it still feels as painful. tennis will never be the same without him. he is my personal hero because of his character on and off the court. he inspires me to push more in life when i feel like giving up. he makes suffering bearable for many who look up to him. with all his injuries and struggles throughout his career, and his achievements, he made us share them like they were our own, or like he is our friend or brother. he is such a relatable champion yet so unrelatable with all that he has achieved. different from other players' success which feel more individual to them, rafa makes and made us feel like his wins were our wins too coz he shares the glory to us like he shares them to family. he is one of the few players i have seen who sincerely appreciates his fans and who always give thanks to us. he did not make us feel a stranger to him. since 2004 of supporting him to this day, it felt like i journeyed with him in his tennis career, that's why i feel a 'personal' attachment to this kind soul. he is loved by many coz he loves us most. the one interview he had that i always feel sad about is when he won the title when he was still young against roger i think but the fans were booing him. instead of saying bad things, he said that he looks forward to coming back and hopes that when he does, the fans will appreciate his game and cheer for him too. maybe that's why he is so fond of his fans - because he did not get it the first time and appreciated those who supported him throughout his career.

Vamos Andy, that was simply beautiful. For everyone who isn't already tired of the GOAT discussions, you are truly a candidate off the court. Gracias Rafa for a wonderful career and for being who you are. Man, we are truly blessed to have witnessed all these great players over the years...

Thank you, Andy🙌 Lifelong Rafa fan here and now still reeling from the news. I am happy I discovered this podcast to stave off the inevitable anxiety, disbelief and sadness from his retirement. I will always love Rafa, and I will always love tennis, glad to have this tennis-centric podcast!❤

My idol from day 1 . Great Rafa Nadal. Many many moments i will never forget . 2009.Australian open prefinal feeling ,everyone said he cannot beat Federer in that final,but he did beat him in an epic. 2012. that easy backhand down the line in the fifth against Djokovic. 2013. Roland garros semis against Djokovic 2013 . Us open final against Djokovic 2008. Roland Garros final,Wimbledon final Omg so many matches

Rafa is the perfect example on how to be an amazing person on and off the court. To me he's the true GOAT. After all his accomplishments he stays so humble and grounded. Gotta give to his family which they raised an incredible human being. He will be missed on the tour forever 😢 .

Legit sad about this retirement. Great words for Andy and the crew. Rafa inspired this massive passion I now have for tennis and so many lessons to live by, period. ❤

I realised how much this generation impacted me when fed retired. I am a djokovic fan from the beginning. And I spent so many years in a love hate relationship (more hate) with the other two. but when fed retired I teared up a bit because it was the first time I truly became conscious of how bonkers and how privelidged we all were to live through the golden era of tennis. Same thing happened yesterday when rafa retired.

Fantastic take by Andy! Touched on the real reasons why Rafa holds this affection by everyone. And the argument about people being influenced hugely by their idols is so on point. Think about Federer - Edberg; Djokovic - Ivanisevic; Medvedev - Safin. And it's not only about attitude, but about playing styles also. Like Dimitrov - Federer. And many more. So that's why Nadal's aura is going to be felt long down the road. And it hasn't started with Alcaraz. There was Schwarzmann before him. Felix Auger-Aliassim and many more. And not only in tennis. We've all learned a lot from him down his road, along with him. That's just how geniuses and phenomenons influence everybody around them.

Well said Andy -- with Love, respect and passion appropriately on full display for all to see and hear.

The more I watch your channel, the more I like it. Thanks Andy

Thanks Andy for such an awesome tribute. I am a Rafa and tennis fan. Loved your serve and style, and of course, your impersonations. Thank you for keeping this heart felt. Fantastic talk Inspiring. Great show. Fan of you for such a lovely tribute. Hats off. Have been waking up everyday these last two years hoping to see Nadal play full steam though it felt more and more likely that such a thing won’t happen. A big loss but gratitude for his work and what he is leaving behind.

Had been missing his fighting spirit in the way he played even in pain I still refuse to believe , I just loved the way he respected his opponents, every player….for that matter Character is impeccable Will miss u @Rafanadal

Andy, Thank you for such an awesome tribute to a very deserving champion. We were so fortunate to have witnessed his genius and his humility. Bravo Rafa! Enjoy your well deserved retirement ❤

Andy - you have a way of framing arguments and positions about the game of tennis as well as anyone, anywhere. Any time I watch you I am completely entertained. Long live Rafa - as with the other two members of the Big 3, he was "one of three."

"I love competition, all aspects" Rafael Nadal "The best thing that Rafa does is compete" John Isner Rafa is not my favorite playing style wise, but his mind, spirit, temperament, tenacity on court were/are monstrous. And one hell of a nice guy personally.. humble, polite and most good things a person can be.. Rafael Nadal=legend..

So sad to hear the news but so happy for RAFA!!! Greatest tennis player ever... we'll miss you RAFA!!! Viva RAFA!!!

First time I've heard someone describe in technical detail exactly how hard it was to face him across the net. Beautiful.

Real wonderful heartfelt stream of consciousness … please do discuss his achievements in context of his biggest nemesis - his injuries

Great Podcast Andy.. I felt your emotion and passion come through here for Rafa. Congratulations to Rafa on an amazing career. Congratulations to you also Andy on an amazing career, navigating those 3 titans couldn’t have been easy.

Such an articulate analyst!

its hard to come up with the words to thank someone for providing a lifetime of tennis enjoyment.

Happy you said he’s not just a clay player!!! It annoys me when ppl just say that as if he wasn’t dominant and a champion on ALL SERVICES! No tennis player was saying he’s easy to beat at Wimbledon, Australia or Us open! AMAZING CAREER MY 🎾 GOAT!! CONGRATS RAFA 🎉👏🏾🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

This is a fantastic testimony. For me, he is the most complete athlete ever, which obviously includes much more than natural talent, like his massive mental resilience and unique character.

Rafa's work ethic helped to push the game forward. When players were getting dominated by Federer, he was the one that worked hard to get himself to Rogers level and at times to surpass him. He pushed Roger to get better and then it became an era of tennis we won't see for a very long time.

Thank you for this episode. All these significant retirements in the last 2 years are giving me whiplash. Although I no longer doubt whether tennis is going to be in good hands, I do feel the sense of loss you were talking about. This episode was the conversation I wish I could have IRL with someone today.

Thank you, Rafa. For a wonderful career spanning decades and giving all of us many years and moments to remember and cherish. I will especially remember the years 2004-2008, not just the 2008 Wimbledon final, when you and Roger thrilled us with a new rivalry. Roger in his prime and you in your youth before the injuries. Without the other Roger could have won 5 French in a row and you maybe 3 Wimbledons in this time. But we were treated to a once in a lifetime experience and rivalry between two immortal icons. Almost the reverse of Borg and McEnroe but this time the lefty had the stubborn tenacity to fight for every point, the topspin and two hander, and it was the righty the artist. I say almost because it would be so wrong not to call you an artist as well. We will also remember you for your chess like ability to change your strategy, to manage rallies, your sprints to finish at net and the rehearsal sprints in warmup. We will remember your overhead as the most reliable and best of all time.

I am lucky to have vitnessed Rafa on practice court and on court at the ATP Finals in London. Fantastic player, human, ambassador, ... Will be greatly missed on tour

We knew it was coming, but it’s hard to believe all the same. Not ashamed to say I shed a tear. What a career and what a legacy. When Djokovic eventually retires too - and that may not be too far away - it truly will be the end of an incredible era.

Lovely, lovely words, Andy. We'll be processing this for a long time.

Andy, you are such a great guy, love your content. Thank you for showing Rafa so much respect. ❤

I used to hate Rafa from 2005 to 2013 approx because I was a Roger fan, but I have no Shame in admitting that I love him now. He is one of my all time favorite along with Roger. Goosebumps. Tears in my eyes.

An absolute 1 of 1. Nobody can play like him. Used to despise him as a teen because he beat Federer a lot but later on it became impossible not to love the guy. The end of an era

As an ardent tennis fan for my whole life one of my favourite memories is watching Rafa and Roger play doubles together for the first time ever at the very first Laver Cup in Prague 2017. It was so thrilling and joyful to see. Thank you Andy for being you and for giving Rafa the love and respect he so deserves ❤

Knew this day was coming, but still..........Rafa will be missed for sure!! What a legacy he's left for young ones to emulate both on the court and off!! All the best to Rafa for the next chapter, I'm sure it will be amazing too!!!

he will be always my goat prime rafa was something else sad the injuries fucked him , thanks andy nice words mate

Thank you very much Andy! You are a great great person too. Saludos desde España!

Thank you Andy, Jon and team for pulling this emergency podcast together. I really enjoyed listening to your spontaneous reactions. Thank you for honouring Rafa this way. I enjoyed hearing about how AO was his “worst” slam, but it was also where he staged one of the greatest comebacks of all time (2022 Final). I was so stunned, I remember crying tears of joy. I look forward to more of your stories! ❤️❤️❤️🎾🎾🎾💪💪💪

It was time, he had a few flashes of brilliances.. he took a set from Djokovic this year that made him look like the old rafa.. but then too many times he really showed he is an old rafa nadal.. lost a clay final which he struggled all tournament to some challenger level opponent.. just wasnt moving well laterally around the court in any match he played. He had an amazing career. Thanks for the memories and endless highlights.

nice piece. notwithstanding all the success, i like how you put time on him being a decent guy. i got a feeling that when super-successful athletes, the really top guys, hang up their rackets/boots/gloves etc, the 'yeah but was I an asshole? did/do ppl like me?' question haunts them.

That was some lovely insights and generous words from you Andy. Thanks for giving a beautiful tribute for my idol. Waiting for the video next week ❤️

Thank you Andy for the wonderful tribute ♥, your heartfelt words are much appreciated! For your next Rafa special, I would love to hear some more personal stories of yours like the one where you've described the match you played against him, or the way his spin is the heaviest on the racket. It brings back the memories of the excitement, the emotion of those matches when Rafa started out and everything was yet to be seen. It's nice to hear a new perspective, not just the often repeated facts of his extraordinary achievements. I think I have seen every single match he played in Grand Slams and many more, so this truly feels like the end of an era for me, a bit tearful, I admit. You got a new subscriber :)

Can’t wait for next week podcast! Thank you!