Andy Murray has same Rafael Nadal retirement mission as Novak Djokovic | Tennis | Sport

When Nadal announced his retirement last month, Djokovic was one of the first to react. The world No. 5 shared a heartfelt tribute to his biggest competitor and shared his intentions to attend his farewell tournament.

“Thank you for pushing me to the very limit so many times in our rivalry that has impacted me the most as a player. Your passion for representing Spain has always been remarkable,” he wrote.

“I wish you best possible farewell in Malaga with Davis Cup team of Spain. I will be there in person to pay respect to your stellar career.”

The Davis Cup Finals tournament director has now revealed that Djokovic won’t be the only top player in attendance for Nadal’s retirement as Murray has also voiced his hopes of coming to Malaga.

“For now, I know that almost everyone in the world wants to be present for his farewell,” Feliciano Lopez said.

“Novak Djokovic posted on Instagram that he wants to be there, also Andy Murray wants to be there.”

And they aren’t the only athletes who want to see Nadal in action one final time. Lopez continued: “Also, there are many more who want to be there and I don’t know if we are going to have seats for everyone.

“As you can imagine, all the tennis players that played in his time want to be there. Other athletes from different sports in Spain and everywhere in the world, they want to be part of this. I’m sure it’s going to be a very special moment for him.”

It wouldn’t be the first time the Big Four rivals rallied together ahead of a retirement. When Roger Federer ended his career at the 2022 Laver Cup, he played his final match alongside Nadal in the doubles.

Djokovic and Murray were also part of Team Europe, and Federer spent the weekend cheering on the squad from the bench after his last dance.

Murray ended his own career at the Olympics earlier this summer. Djokovic and Nadal were competing in Paris at the same time.