Rafael Nadal sent a brief, heartfelt reply to Novak Djokovic after his long-time rival missed his emotional farewell at the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga on Friday

Rafael Nadal has announced his retirement from professional tennis, with the Spaniard's great rival Novak Djokovic having previously opened up on their relationship

Rafael Nadal sent a brief, heartfelt reply to Novak Djokovic after his long-time rival missed his farewell at the Davis Cup Finals. When Nadal initially announced his retirement plans last month, the 24-time Grand Slam champion vowed to be in Malaga for his final match.

The 37-year-old from Belgrade will be one of the favorites at the next Australian Open, for which he will prepare with great dedication by also playing a tournament in the first week of January. Nole's focus will be totally directed towards the Grand Slam tournaments and the Davis Cup, to try to replicate the historic triumph obtained in 2011.

Toni Nadal has hit out at Novak Djokovic yet again, claiming the Serbian has not earned the same level of respect in tennis as his nephew Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer

Roger Federer's former coach Paul Annacone claimed that sports has never had a greater competitor than the retired Rafael Nadal.

Rafael Nadal's retirement from professional tennis has brought an outpouring of tributes from plenty of current or former players.

Toni Nadal took a swipe at Novak Djokovic's actions on the tennis court and explained why his nephew Rafael Nadal has managed to earn "superior respect"

Rafael Nadal’s coach has described the Spaniard’s farewell ceremony at the Davis Cup as ‘scruffy and shabby’. Nadal played the final match of his career on Tuesday night as he lost in straight sets to Netherlands’ Botic van de Zandschulp in the Davis Cup quarter final in Malaga.

Rafael Nadal has issued an eight-word reply to the classy tribute he received from his great rival Novak Djokovic following his retirement. The legendary Spaniard was beaten by Botic van de Zandschulp in the final match of his remarkable career at the Davis Cup Final 8 stage this week.