Social Reaction: Rafael Nadal’s peers and rivals 'reject' his application to retire

Say it ain't so, Rafa!

With a single video message shared to social media, Rafael Nadal broke the hearts of tennis fans the world over as the 22-time Grand Slam winner and former world No. 1 announced his retirement from the sport at the end of the season.

"It is obviously a difficult decision, one that has taken me some time to make," the 38-year-old said in Spanish. "But in this life, everything has a beginning and an end. And I think it’s the appropriate time to put an end to a career that has been long and much more successful than I could have ever imagined."

Read More: BREAKING: Rafael Nadal announces retirement from professional tennis, will play last match at Davis Cup

"What a career, Rafa! I always hoped this day would never come," wrote 20-time Grand Slam winner Roger Federer, Nadal's long time rival and great friend, in the comment section of the Spaniard's Instagram post.

"Thank you for the unforgettable memories and all your incredible achievements in the game we love. It’s been an absolute honor!"

Read More: Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic pay tribute to retiring Nadal: “Your legacy will live forever”

Coco Gauff also took to the comments to tell Nadal, "You are amazing! It’s been so incredible to witness your greatness and work ethic and be able to learn from it. Wishing you all the best in the next chapter."

"RAFA Forever!! Thank you for everything legend," wrote Casper Ruud, while Matteo Berrettini simply shared, "LEYENDA (LEGEND)."

Novak Djokovic praised Nadal in a lengthy and moving social media post of his own, highlighting the Spaniard's role in the "rivalry that has impacted me the most as a player."

"Rafa, one post is not enough to express the respect I have for you and what you have done for our sport... Your tenacity, dedication, fighting spirit is going to be taught for decades," he wrote on Instagram. "Your legacy will live forever. Only you know what you had to endure to become icon of tennis and sport in general."

Carlos Moya, Nadal's countryman and rival-turned-coach, said he was "proud to have been a part of your journey, in the end as your coach but always as your friend."

Four-time Grand Slam winner Carlos Alcaraz, Nadal's heir apparent in Spanish tennis, shared a pair of then-and-now photos:

"From the kid who watched you on TV and dreamed of being a tennis player, to the one who had the immense pleasure of competing by your side at Roland Garros while representing Spain at the Olympic Games... Thank you very much for being an example at every level, your legacy will never be matched."

"A true legend of the game who paved the way and taught so many of us how to be as a player and as a person," wrote ATP world No. 1 Jannik Sinner, as he shared photos from their practice sessions. "You will be missed on the tour!"

Meanwhile, Sinner's coach Darren Cahill said Nadal "possessed every quality in an athlete that you want for your own kids to try and emulate."

As the rest of the tennis world woke up to the news, Rafa's fans weren't the only ones taking to social media on Thursday to ask him to reconsider.

"Nope, I/we refuse this application to retire," wrote Great Britain's Katie Boulter, while former world No. 13 Nick Kyrgios said: "Rafa don't retire I wanna play you (one) last time."

Reigning Roland Garros champion Iga Swiatek called the 14-time Coupe des Mousquetaires winner "the biggest inspiration that I ever had in tennis" in a video message.

"You were, and still are, the biggest inspiration that I ever had in tennis. The reason I sometimes got extra motivated, I kept pushing myself... So thank you for that and for being an amazing person."

Former world No. 2 Ons Jabeur also thanked Nadal "for inspiring me and all of us" over the years:

"Congrats @RafaelNadal for an amazing career and setting a great example of what it means to be a tennis player. I have learned so much from you! A legend on and off the court!" wrote France's Caroline Garcia, while her countryman Lucas Pouille perfectly summed up the mood of French tennis fans: "Rafa and (Richard Gasquet) on the same day is too much."

Read More: Richard Gasquet to retire from professional tennis at Roland Garros

Check even more social posts below, as current and former players and legends proccess the news of Nadal's retirement: