Alizé Cornet receives heartwarming retirement gesture from Nadal
The 34-year-old announced yesterday that she is set to step away from the sport after Roland-Garros – her home Grand Slam – next month
AI/Reuters/Panoramic
Alizé Cornet was overwhelmed when she received a personal video message from one of her idols yesterday.
In a social media clip that has gone viral, Cornet was seen getting emotional as a video message from Rafael Nadal was shown to her.
In the message, the 22-time Grand Slam champion personally congratulates Cornet on her career and wishes her well for the future.
The 34-year-old announced yesterday that she would be retiring from the sport after this year’s Roland-Garros – the French player’s home Grand Slam.
Cornet – a former world No 11 – owns the Open Era record for most consecutive Grand Slam tournament appearances with 68.
Her 19-year career saw her rack up six WTA titles, as well as 25 career wins over top 10 players. She famously ended Iga Swiatek‘s 37-match winning streak at Wimbledon in 2022 and is the only player who boasts three wins over Serena Williams while the American great was No 1 in the world.
This summer, however, Cornet will wave farewell for the last time on a tennis court. She will do so at her home major, and can do so with the knowledge that the tournament’s record 14-time men’s single champion has personally waved her off.
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