Rafael Nadalone of the best tennis players of all time, announced this Thursday that he will not play Roland Garros -tournament in which he won 14 titles and from which he will be absent for the first time since his first participation, in 2005- and which he will be away from the fields in the following months to prepare his return in 2024, which will probably be the last season of the his career. And the tennis world didn’t take long to react to the news and to send him their support and wish to see him back on the pitch soon.

One of the most heartfelt messages that the Majorcan received was that of his compatriot Carlos Alcaraz.

“Much encouragement Rafa! Very hurtful and sad for everyone that you can’t be at Roland Garros or play more this year but hoping 2024 is a great season for you and you can say goodbye like the great champion you are” , wrote the Murciano who will return to number one in the rankings on Monday Chirping.

A few weeks ago, Carlitos He had commented that he was very excited to be able to face Raf on the clay courts of Paris.

“I like playing against the best and Nadal is one of the best in history, there’s no doubt about it. His tournament is Roland Garros. So I’d like to play with him in Paris, face him and see what happens. I think he could beat him, but Rafa has a thousand lives there,” he commented in an interview with the newspaper Brand.

Alcaraz won’t be able to fulfill that wish this year, but perhaps he will next year, in what could end up being a sort of “handshake” between the Spaniard and who many call to be his heir.

“We hope he can come back as soon as possible because he is a great player, an impressive athlete and one of the best in history. We hope he can play as many more Grand Slams as possible and we will see how it goes,” said the Russian. Daniel Medvedevshortly after beating the German Yannick Hanfmann and get into the semifinals of Rome Masters 1000.

And he added: “I think his defeat at Roland Garros opens up the possibility for many players even if you’re not physically at 100%, but if he had decided to play, he would have been the favourite.”

Carla Suárez, another compatriot of Nadal, shared Alcaraz’s wish. “All the best in the world, Rafa. I hope you can compete again very soon, that you are in good health and that you are able to complete your sporting career as you deserve. We look forward to seeing you!”, wrote on her networks who came to occupy the sixth step of the standings and won two WTA titles.

From outside tennis there were also some greetings for Spanish. Former basketball player Pau Gasol, winner of two NBA rings and world champion with Spain in 2006, commented: “Dear Rafa, today is a tough day, but we are by your side more than ever. Proud of you now and always “.