After Rafael Nadal’s retirement announcement, Daniil Medvedev’s coach hilariously accuses Spaniard of stealing Russian’s 2 Grand Slams. His comments astonished most people.
On Thursday, October 10, Nadal confirmed that the 2024 Davis Cup Finals in Malaga (November 19-24) would be his final tournament. Following the announcement, he received a wave of heartfelt messages from fans, fellow players, and major sports figures. Nadal’s long-time rivals Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic also paid tribute to his remarkable career.
World No. 1 and No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz expressed their gratitude for having the chance to play against their idol. Sinner’s coaches, Darren Cahill and Simone Vagnozzi, joined in celebrating the former World No. 1.
In addition to many other reactions, the wiJannik Sinnerfe of Novak Djokovic’s former coach honored Nadal with a touching message, sharing a 20-year-old photo, while Maria Sharapova reacted to Djokovic’s heartfelt tribute to Nadal.
Meanwhile, Cervara humorously pointed out Nadal’s role in Medvedev’s two Grand Slam final losses. Medvedev, who won the 2021 US Open by defeating Djokovic, has played in six Major finals, losing twice to both Nadal and Djokovic and once to Jannik Sinner.
“Rafa, big congrats on your incredible career. The way you fought through adversity was inspiring for so many people,” Cervara wrote on Instagram. “By the way, thanks for the 2 Grand Slams you took from Daniil and the team!!!” he joked.
Daniil Medvedev and Rafael Nadal faced each other six times throughout their careers, with Nadal winning five of those encounters, including two memorable Grand Slam finals. Both of their Major meetings—the 2019 US Open and the 2022 Australian Open—were intense five-set battles.
At the 2019 US Open, Nadal took the first two sets before Medvedev mounted a strong comeback in the third and fourth. Nadal eventually secured the victory with a scoreline of 7-5, 6-3, 5-7, 4-6, 6-4. At the 2022 Australian Open, Nadal staged a remarkable comeback after being two sets down and a break behind, ultimately winning 2-6, 6-7(5), 6-4, 6-4, 7-5 to claim his 21st Grand Slam title out of 22.
Reflecting on his heartbreaking loss in the 2022 Australian Open final, Medvedev said:
“I would have liked to do better, to win it—I was ahead. Right after a loss like that, especially in a Grand Slam final, it’s tough. It was difficult for me for a few days, even weeks,” he told Eurosport. “But looking back, I see it as a learning experience. It made me grow as a person. I realized that sometimes in life, things don’t go your way, and that’s okay. Now I try to see things from a different perspective.”
Nadal and Medvedev are set to participate in the Six Kings Slam exhibition event in Saudi Arabia from October 16-19, ahead of Nadal’s retirement.
