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 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.

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

There are not many players who can say they have defeated all three of Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer in Grand Slam matches. Andy Murray, Stan Wawrinka, Tomas Berdych and Jo-Wilfred Tsonga are the only four tennis stars to have achieved that remarkable feat.

Rafael Nadal officially played his last tennis match on Tuesday at the Davis Cup, and it was an emotional goodbye for the sports world. His legendary 23-year career included 22 Grand Slam wins, 92 ATP Tour titles,

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.

Ahead of his farewell, Roger Federer penned a heartfelt letter to his old foe. And Novak Djokovic ’s plans to be there for Nadal’s send-off have now emerged.

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

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.