Rory McIlroy congratulated Rafael Nadal on his incredible tennis career and called him his hero in an emotional note on social media.
Rory McIlroy (L) and Rafael Nadal (C) [Image via BBC/CNN]
On Tuesday, Rafael Nadal retired from tennis. The 22-time grand slam champion called it a day on his career following a defeat against Botic van de Zandschulp in the Davis Cup. Since then, several sporting greats have sent out messages to him and golfer Rory McIlroy was one of them.
The four-time major champion penned down a heartfelt message to Nadal on his social media accounts. The North Irishman congratulated the Spaniard on his incredible career at the tennis court and hoped to see him soon on the golf course.
Before this, McIlroy would hail Nadal as his “hero” in his message. The 35-year-old further claimed that tennis will not be the same without him.
This was though not the first time McIlroy had called Nadal his inspiration. In an interview with CBS Sports in 2022, he hailed him and Roger Federer and claimed in his mind he thought he was “more Nadal than Federer.”
Rafael Nadal turned professional in 2001 and was part of the “Big Three” along with Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer. He spent 209 weeks as No. 1 on the tennis rankings and claimed several accolades. He holds the record for the most French Open titles in Tennis history with 14 victories.
Last week proved to be an emotional one for Rory McIlroy. An incredible showing over the course of four days saw him claim the DP World Tour Championship and his sixth Race to Dubai title. Following this win, he shared an emotional message to his family.
The world of golf was left in shock in May 2024 when reports emerged that McIlroy and his wife Erica Stoll had filed for a divorce. The couple who have been married since 2017, have a daughter named Poppy.
However, a month later the former World No.1 informed the world that he and his wife had dismissed the divorce petition and had reconciled with each other. After the triumph on Sunday, an emotional McIlroy claimed that their support meant the “world” to him.
This win was McIlroy’s third triumph of the year. Earlier he won the Zurich Classic of New Orleans with Shane Lowry and claimed the Wells Fargo Championship a week before the PGA Championship. His quest for a fifth major ended in a massive heartbreak though as he missed out on the 2024 U.S. Open by finishing one shot behind Bryson DeChambeau in July.
