"Legends are never gone" - Rafael Nadal receives loving tribute from coach Carlos Moya's wife

In a touching display of affection and admiration, Carolina Cerezuela, wife of Rafael Nadal's coach Carlos Moyá, recently shared a heartfelt tribute to the Spanish tennis legend.

This comes at a particularly poignant time, as Rafael Nadal has decided to take a break from professional tennis for several months. The former World No. 1 has even hinted that 2024 could be his final year on the ATP Tour.

The hiatus news has, understandably, led to an outpouring of well-wishes and tributes from fans and contemporaries alike. However, the tribute from Cerezuela stands out for its personal touch and deep sentiment.

Taking to Instagram on Sunday, May 21, she wrote:

"He says he’ll be gone for some months, that he’ll rest. He must not know that legends are never gone, not even if they want to. That tennis bears his name and that whatever he’ll do he’ll be unparalleled and unequalled, cause stars never stop shining."

Rafael Nadal, who turned professional in 2001, has had a stellar career spanning over two decades. His rivalry with other tennis greats like Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic has been a highlight of modern tennis.

Carlos Moyá, a former World No. 1 and winner of the French Open 1998, joined Nadal's coaching team in 2016. Their partnership has been highly successful, witnessing multiple Grand Slam victories.

The Rafael Nadal and Carlos Moya bond

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The world of tennis is often illuminated by stories of enduring relationships that stretch beyond the court lines. One such relationship, firmly rooted in mutual respect and camaraderie, is the unyielding bond between Spanish tennis greats Rafael Nadal and Carlos Moyá.

Hailing from the Mediterranean island of Mallorca, the duo are known for their relentless spirit and commitment to the game. Their paths first crossed when a young Nadal, barely 11 years old, played a friendly match against Moyá, then an emerging talent. Despite the age and experience gap, their respect for each other's abilities was instant, forming the basis of a long-standing friendship.

In 2016, this friendship transitioned into a professional relationship as Carlos Moyá joined the 22-time Grand Slam champion's coaching team. Moyá, a former World No. 1 and winner of the 1998 French Open, brought plenty of experience and strategic understanding to the table.

Under his guidance the southpaw adapted his game brilliantly, leading to an array of victories that includes multiple Grand Slam titles, which made him the first man in the Open Era to win 22 Majors.