Daily Dose of Social Media: Tennis World honours Rafael Nadal - Serena Williams, Rune, Sharapova, Sabalenka and more

Today in our Daily Dose of Social Media, we review the most significant activities and Entertainment from ATP and WTA players. Rafael Nadal was the star of the day amidst his retirement. The tennis world paid tribute to one of the greatest legends of the sport, including Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova, Aryna Sabalenka, Holger Rune, Lorenzo Musetti, and others.

In the hours leading up to the Davis Cup series, the special motivation of the former world No. 1 was visible in a video of him warming up in the hallway before walking out to the court. While there were doubts about his appearance in the singles, Nadal was ultimately the one to open the match against Botic van de Zandschulp of the Netherlands. Unfortunately for the 22-time Grand Slam champion, he was defeated 4-6, 4-6 in what he himself acknowledged was likely his last singles match.

On social media, images of Nadal in tears during the Spanish national anthem went viral, as he stood on the court with his team, awaiting the start of the series. Later, Carlos Alcaraz defeated Tallon Griekspoor in straight sets, extending the series to the doubles match.

Aryna Sabalenka cheered for Rafael Nadal during his final match and shared a photo on her Instagram wearing a t-shirt in tribute to the 22-time Grand Slam champion. The current WTA World No. 1 posed in a picture wearing a headband similar to Nadal's and sported a Nike t-shirt, his sponsor. She wasn’t the only one; others like Lorenzo Musetti and Karen Khachanov also posted photos wearing the tribute shirt.

The 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams paid her own tribute to Nadal. Alongside wearing the same Nike shirt as other athletes, she was seen tying her headband just as Nadal typically does during matches. The American said in the video: “We’re gonna always love you, we’re gonna always miss you, but let’s go, this isn’t every time right?”

“Congratulations on a career that most wont dare to dream of. I feel so fortunate to have been able to play when you were playing and being Great. You inspired me to be better, to play harder, for fight, to never give up, and to win more. No excuses just play the sport. You legacy will never die. Wow to see your career from the beginning to today was an honor Champ! Long live Rafa!”

“Why am I getting so choked up. With @RafaelNadal retirement. I’m not good at goodbyes,” she posted later on X.

Another tennis star who honoured Rafa Nadal was 5-time Grand Slam champion Maria Sharapova. Along with her photo, she left a message for her former colleague: “The only merch I’d ever wear is Spice Girls and Rafa,” she wrote, accompanied by a laughing emoji.

Rafael Nadal received a tribute from his sponsor Nike that was widely shared on social media, and it was even posted by Holger Rune on X (formerly Twitter). The 22-time Grand Slam champion played what may have been his last match as a professional, falling to Botic Van De Zandschulp in straight sets in the Davis Cup quarterfinals.

In the hours leading up to the match, Nike shared an emotional video in tribute to one of its biggest faces: “When the dust settles, you’ll know you’ve given more than anyone,” the narrator said. “Chased down every game, shot, point, and put it all on the line for one more win. Not once, but every second, minute, hour, day of your life.” As Nadal walks off the court, the final message reads, “Greatness. It only takes everything.”

Later, the brand unveiled a massive image of Nadal at the Trocadero in Paris, with the Eiffel Tower in the background. The Spaniard is the most decorated player in the history of the French Open, with 14 titles. “No one has given more to their sport. Or left it all on the court every single time. @RafaelNadal, you showed us what it takes to be the greatest. It only takes everything.” The brand also changed its social media avatars to Nadal’s signature bull logo

Jasmine Paolini finally got the long-awaited photo with Rafa Nadal. A few days earlier, the Italian had shared that one of her goals during her time in Málaga, amidst the Billie Jean King Cup Finals, was to take a picture with her idol, the 22-time Grand Slam champion. Paolini played a vital role in Italy’s qualification for the final and will compete for the title against Slovakia on Wednesday. After snapping a selfie while watching Nadal train on Monday, this time Paolini had the chance to interact closely with the legendary Spaniard and posted a heartfelt message on social media.

“Finally, I got the picture! 😀😀 Rafael, you’ve been a true inspiration to me and sports fans everywhere. Your grit, passion, and heart on the court have given us so many unforgettable moments,” she posted. “Wishing you all the best as you close out this incredible career and head into the next chapter, may it be filled with as much joy, health, and success as you’ve given to all of us!! Thank you for everything, legend! 🐐👏”

Coco Gauff shared a compilation of photos from her recent days in Los Angeles after wrapping up her season with the WTA Finals title. The World No. 3 ended the year on a high note following an epic comeback against Zheng Qinwen in the final, winning 3-6, 6-4, 7-6(2) and lifting the trophy in Riyadh.

The 2023 US Open champion is now enjoying her vacation and won't return to the court until December 29, when the 2025 season kicks off at the United Cup. Gauff will form a stellar duo with Taylor Fritz in the mixed nations tournament, competing against Canada and Croatia in Group A in Perth, Australia. In the photos recently shared by Gauff, she can be seen spending time with American singer-songwriter Faye Webster and rapper “Tyler, The Creator,” as well as enjoying her days at the Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival.