Malaga, Spain: Rafael Nadal's retirement comes after current and former players praised the Spanish star, who won 22 Grand Slam titles, and called it the end of an era. From Serena Williams and Novak Djokovic to Iga Swiatek and Taylor Fritz, many other tennis players have reacted.

The tennis world will miss you.

Twenty-four-time Grand Slam champion and Nadal's opponent in 60 matches, Novak Djokovic said, "Your tenacity, your fighting spirit, your energy is something that will be studied. It is something that will inspire many generations to come. I feel proud and thrilled to be called your opponent. The tennis world and the sports world will miss your incredible energy."

The passion with which you played is amazing.

Three-time Grand Slam champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist Andy Murray said, 'The passion with which you have played is something that all tennis players aspire to and all tennis fans will remember you for. It has been incredible to watch you.'

He was the right role model for my children.

"He was the perfect role model for young tennis players and kids. It's an honor to have the opportunity to play with him and play with someone I grew up watching. It's the end of an era," said Taylor Fritz, the fourth-ranked tennis player who won the US Open this year.

It was an honor to watch you play.

Elina Svitolina, a three-time Grand Slam semifinalist, said, "It is an honor to watch him play. I have watched his matches live. He is a special athlete who inspires me to fight for every point. He is fantastic." Daniil Medvedev, twice runner-up to Nadal in Grand Slam finals and 2021 US Open champion, said, "From what I heard outside the court, he has not changed at all even with success. And that is not easy to do. I respect that."

No one can stay without praising them.

Tommy Paul said, 'We all know how special he was for the game and I think he will remain very special for the game. No one can stop praising the way he performed on the court.'

We will always love you

Twenty-three-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams said, "We will always love you. We will always miss you." Four-time Grand Slam champion Carlos Alcaraz said, "I am very lucky to have experienced moments with him on and off the court. I have said many times before that I would have liked to share many more moments." Five-time major champion Iga Swiatek said, "Honestly, he was the only player I saw play so I don't know if I will watch tennis anymore."