Novak Djokovic has revealed he feels a part of him 'has left' after Rafael Nadal followed the likes of Andy Murray and Roger Federer by retiring from tennis.
Nadal dropped the news on Thursday in an emotional video, with the 38-year-old opting to walk away after a brilliant career that has seen him win 22 Grand Slam titles.
Djokovic and Nadal had a rivalry for the ages, meeting a staggering 60 times throughout their career.
The former has a slight edge, having secured victory on 31 occasions - compared to Nadal's 29.
Novak Djokovic has revealed he feels a part of him 'has left' after Rafael Nadal followed the likes of Andy Murray and Roger Federer by retiring from tennis
SKY
Speaking after his victory over Jakub Mensik at the Shanghai Masters, Djokovic candidly revealed he feels a 'part' of him has left with Nadal, Federer and Murray.
Federer quit the sport in 2022, with Murray opting to hang up his racket after playing doubles with Dan Evans at the Paris Olympics earlier this summer.
"I still enjoy competing but part of me left with them, big part of me," he said.
"So it’s a tough news for tennis world, for sports world.
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"Rafa has been an inspiration - is an inspiration to millions of children around the world so he can be very proud of his career."
Everybody knew that Nadal was destined to retire from tennis this year, especially due to his injury issues.
Djokovic added: "Yeah, I mean, we knew that that moment is coming sooner than later but it’s still a shock when it came officially.
"Also for Roger a few years ago when he announced retirement and Andy as well this year.
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"I mean it’s a bit overwhelming for me to be honest. I don’t know what to make out of it."
Djokovic's comments come after he paid tribute to Nadal on Instagram.
Sharing some snaps of themselves over the years, the world No 4 emotionally wrote: "Rafa, one post is not enough to express the respect I have for you and what you have done for our sport.
"You have inspired millions of children to start playing tennis and I think that’s probably greatest achievement anyone can wish for.
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Mil gracias a todos
— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) October 10, 2024
Many thanks to all
Merci beaucoup à tous
Grazie mille à tutti
谢谢大家
شكرا لكم جميعا
תודה לכולכם
Obrigado a todos
Vielen Dank euch allen
Tack alla
Хвала свима
Gràcies a tots pic.twitter.com/7yPRs7QrOi
"Your tenacity, dedication, fighting spirit is going to be taught for decades. Your legacy will live forever.
"Only you know what you had to endure to become icon of tennis and sport in general.
"Thank you for pushing me to the very limit so many times in our rivalry that has impacted me the most as a player.
"Your passion for representing Spain has always been remarkable."
Novak Djokovic says he will miss Rafael Nadal after the Spanish tennis star announced his retirement
PA
Nadal isn't quite done yet, however.
The former world No 1 will play at the Six Kings Slam in Saudi Arabia before then representing his country at the Davis Cup Finals in November.
