Rafael Nadal will go down as 'one of the greatest athletes in history' as Casper Ruud praises Spanish king: "His legacy will live forever"

Casper Ruud has praised Spanish great Rafael Nadal, saying he is "one of the greatest athletes in history." Nadal has hinted that 2024 may be his last year as a professional tennis player.

Speaking to La Octava Sports, Ruud, who recently lost in the final of the Mexican Open, said: “It’s tough to describe. His legacy will live forever, no matter if he retires in 2024 or not, as one of the greatest athletes in history.

"He’s just an incredible sportsman, a fighter, always staying humble, trying to improve even though he’s achieved so much. He deserves all the success that he has ever had.” The three-time major runner-up was on the end of a straight sets defeat to Nadal in the 2022 French Open final.

Nadal may not be the only big-name to leave the sport this year, as Andy Murray has also suggested this year will be his last on the Tour, saying while in Dubai that he may not play past the summer. Nadal is currently in the United States, preparing for Indian Wells but also 'The Netflix Slam', a special exhibition match against Carlos Alcaraz.