The Spaniard announced on Thursday that he would be calling time on a distinguished career that included 22 Grand Slam titles, with a record 14 French Opens.
Nadal, now 38, will make his final appearance at the Davis Cup finals in Malaga in November, with his last singles match a defeat to long-term rival Novak Djokovic in the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Eurosport expert Becker, a six-time major champion, reflected on the ‘Big Three’ of tennis – Nadal, Djokovic, and Roger Federer – nearing its end.
“When I heard it, it was a punch in the gut,” Becker told Eurosport of Nadal’s retirement.
“I think the decision is the right one. What hasn’t Rafael Nadal won? He was world No. 1 for 209 weeks. He finished the year as No. 1 five times.
“Among the 22 titles were a whopping 14 Roland-Garros titles. He also won every other Grand Slam at least twice. There are no real numbers.
“Then, of course, you have to look at his opponents. Federer is one of them, Djokovic is one of them, so the end of the Big Three is near.”
Becker said that even when he first met a teenage Nadal with a double-handed forehand, he was still “blown away” by the Spaniard’s fighting spirit.
“I personally got to know Rafael Nadal many decades ago when I was fourteen or fifteen,” Becker reminisced.
“His uncle Toni introduced him to me. Back then, Rafa also played with both hands on his forehand. What did I think of his young nephew? I was always blown away, even then.
“What really has to be emphasised is what sets him apart: his uncompromising attitude, his ambition, his motivation, his willingness to fight. The fact that he was always prepared to simply run one step further than the other. It was incredible how many balls he ran after and ultimately always played to the end.
“I can’t remember a match where Nadal didn’t want to play anymore. Sometimes he couldn’t go on. He played on anyway. But he always fought to the end. And so many matches ended in the fifth set.
“I think that’s the greatest quality he had, playing every game to the end with full vigour and passion.”
Becker believes that Nadal’s “vigour and passion” is what set him apart during his career.
“That’s actually what sets all the Big Three apart,” Becker explained.
“Yes, the tennis world will miss him, of course. He’s not just a tennis icon, he’s a sports icon.
“What he represents for Spain, what he represents for world sport, the way he performed, a role model for the younger generation, how to deal with victory and defeat, how to constantly try to improve, to not be satisfied with yesterday, always to go one step further tomorrow. That is what really sets him apart.
“I also have tears in my eyes when I say these sentences, because there will never be anyone else who even comes close to Rafael Nadal. As I always say so beautifully at the end: ¡Vamos Rafa!”
