ANDY MURRAY praised retired Rafa Nadal for never losing his temper on a tennis court but then joked: You did smash loads of PlayStation controllers in anger!
Nadal, 38, called time on his illustrious 23-year career after Spain crashed out of the Davis Cup quarter-finals in Malaga following a 2-1 defeat to Holland.
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There was no triumphant ending as Nadal, his body ravaged by recent injuries, lost the opening singles tie to Botic van de Zandschulp, someone he would have easily thumped in his pomp.
Once the last-eight result was known, Nadal became emotional as he addressed the crowd in Malaga and a late-night tear-jerking presentation took place with video contributions from Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Serena Williams and David Beckham.
Murray, 37, paid his respects to a rival he managed to beat only seven times in 24 meetings since their first encounter at the 2007 Australian Open.
But he revealed that the Mallorca hitter used to violently throw handheld computer console controllers whenever he lost an online football game to the Scotsman.
Murray – who retired from tennis after the Paris Olympics – said: “Hi Rafa, just wanted to send you a quick message to congratulate you on the most incredible career.
“I’ve always been a huge fan of yours and it’s been incredible to watch you, practice with you and get the chance to compete against you throughout all these years, since we first met as 13-14-year-old kids.
“The passion and intensity that you played with not just on the match court but on the practice court was something that I think all tennis players aspire to. And what all tennis fans will remember you for.
“We’ve also learned so much from you over the years about humility, hard work and most importantly respect for everybody.
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“You’re probably the only tennis player ever to have never thrown their racquet in anger, which is incredible.
“However, this wasn’t the case when you would lose at PlayStation.
“I’ve seen Rafa throwing PlayStation controllers around hotel rooms all over the world.
“When he and his close friend Juan Monaco would lose a late goal to me with his beloved Real Madrid at Pro Evolution Soccer.
“Anyway, I’m sure your body is looking forward to a well-earned rest.
It’s been incredible watching you. Thanks for everything, Rafa. Enjoy retirement man.”
Nadal, who does not plan to play in 2025, leaves the sport with 22 singles Slams – two fewer than the record set by Djokovic.
That tally includes an unprecedented 14 French Opens, two Wimbledon Championships, two triumphs at the Australian Open and four in the US Open.
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He wiped away the tears and said: “The titles, numbers, they’re there.
“People probably know that. The way I’d like to be remembered more is like a good person from a small village in Mallorca.”
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