Casper Ruud sends wholesome plea to Rafael Nadal to reconsider retirement - "Please don't retire yet"

It's no longer news that Rafael Nadal will be hanging up his tennis racket at the 2024 Davis Cup in Malaga this month, although fellow ATP star Casper Ruud would like the former World No.1 to consider changing his mind.

Nadal announced his intentions to retire earlier this year, and later confirmed he would be calling it a career after competing for his native Spain at the Davis Cup Finals in November. Millions of tributes have since poured in for the legendary Spaniard, with well-wishes ranging from fans to celebrities to his colleagues on the ATP Tour.

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Ruud echoes Djokovic's sentiments on Nadal's retirement

Soon after Nadal announced his retirement, long-time rival Novak Djokovic shared a heartfelt tribute to the Spaniard when they squared off for the last time at the Six Kings Slam.

"Congratulations for all the titles and amazing career to you and your team,” Djokovic said in an on-court speech. “I wish you all the best of luck for the future. I will finish with one big thank you, from not just me, but all of the tennis world for what you have done. You left an incredible legacy and we really appreciate it. Don’t leave tennis man, stay a little bit longer, stay with us."

Following his victory against Carlos Alcaraz at the ATP Finals, Ruud revealed he will not attend Nadal’s farewell in Malaga and implored the 23-time Grand Slam champion to reconsider retirement this year.

"I think it was inevitable obviously with Roger, him, Andy and Novak kind of being the last of those guys who will retire at some point," said Ruud. “I kind of think Novak said it well during the Saudi tournament. Please don’t retire yet because you have so many fans around the world.
“Even among the players, it’s kind of… one match that showed it quite clearly to me was during the Roland Garros this year, there were a lot of players that came out to watch Rafa-Zverev.

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“Typically, you don’t have [Iga] Swiatek, Novak, Carlos [Alcaraz], everyone coming out to watch the first round of a Slam. But when it’s Rafa, it’s different. Caught me a little bit by surprise that he announced it because I was maybe thinking he would give it one more try during the clay next year.
“At the same time, I know he’s been struggling with a lot of pains and injuries. It just tears you also down mentally. At some point you call it a day. I think it will be a nice finish for him.
"It’s going to be sad and there will be some tears obviously. As a big fan myself, I hope they make it to the final and you get to watch him at least for a few more days. I hope he has the kind of retirement that he deserves. Just the best for him for the next."