"Oh, f**k, I'm shaking" - Alize Cornet overwhelmed as idol Rafael Nadal sends heartfelt message following her retirement announcement

Alize Cornet was left overwhelmed after receiving a video message from her idol Rafael Nadal, congratulating her on her illustrious career following her retirement announcement.

Cornet, who turned pro in 2006, had a career-high ranking of No.11, which she achieved as a 19-year-old back in 2009. She also holds six singles titles and three doubles titles on the WTA tour. The 34-year-old also represented France in four Olympic Games.

In a recent interview with French channel CANAL+, Cornet announced that she will retire after making her 20th consecutive appearance at the 2024 French Open.

"I'm going to play my last Roland Garros in a month, right now, and I'll retire immediately. It's been a long time since I've thought about it, but to announce it officially, it's a little something," Alize Cornet said during the interview (translated from French).

"My ranking has dropped a bit, it also allowed me to take a little more step back in my career. So, of course, I don't want to be pushed towards the end, I also want to decide about my exit. And there, I feel that I have a little less to give in terms of desire. And for me, it's the right time to say goodbye to tennis," she added.

During the interview, Cornet was shown a video message from her idol Rafael Nadal. As the interviewer informed Cornet about the tribute, her disbelief, and excitement were palpable. In the video, the Spaniard congratulated Cornet on her amazing career and wished her the best for her future.

"Hello Alize. I just want to congratulate you for an amazing career. I just want to wish you all the very best. Whatever you decide to do in the future, you're going to be for sure doing very well. But it's your day, enjoy and all the best for the future," Nadal said.

Cornet expressed her admiration for Nadal's tribute, stating that he was an example for her and requested the interviewer to send her the video.

"Oh, f**k. I'm shaking and all. I think I've only spoken to him once in my life, so that's to say how much I admire him. He was an example for me. Wow, I'm shocked right now. Could you send me the video, please?" Alize Cornet said.

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Both Rafael Nadal and Alize Cornet will play their last French Open

Rafael Nadal at The Netflix Slam

Rafael Nadal made his first French Open appearance in 2005, when he won his first title, defeating Argentine Mariano Puerta 6-7(6), 6-3, 6-1, 7-5 in the final. This marked the beginning of a reign that would see Nadal win an unprecedented 14 titles at the clay court Major.

The 37-year-old holds a 112–3 win-loss record at the tournament. The Spaniard's most recent title came at the 2022 edition where he defeated Casper Ruud 6-3, 6-3, 6-0 in the final.

Alize Cornet made her main draw Grand Slam singles debut as a wild-card entry at the 2005 French Open. Over the years, the 34-year-old has reached at least the Round of 16 at all Grand Slams, including a quarterfinal run at the 2022 Australian Open.

Alize Cornet also holds the Open Era record for most consecutive Grand Slam main draw appearances, as she appeared in 68 straight stretching from the 2007 Australian Open to the 2024 Australian Open.