If your football team suffers a crushing defeat, expect a message from Andy Murray especially if he supports the team that did the damage. Rafael Nadal recently revealed a funny exchange with Murray following Real Madrid’s loss to Arsenal in the Champions League, adding some light-heartedness to an otherwise emotional farewell at Roland Garros.
Sunday’s tribute to Nadal’s remarkable career was full of touching moments, including appearances by his fellow “Big Four” legends—Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Andy Murray. In a post-ceremony press conference, Nadal spoke about how their conversations usually revolve around personal updates and family life—except for one cheeky moment from Murray.
“My good friend Andy… we hadn’t spoken in a while,” Nadal said, smiling. “The moment Arsenal beat Real Madrid, literally one second after the game ended, I got a message from him.”
Nadal chuckled as he read the message aloud: “Hey Rafa, haven’t talked in a while. Just wanted to check if you’re OK.”
“At first, I thought, ‘Wow, he’s being so thoughtful, asking about me and my family,’” Nadal recalled. “Then five seconds later, I realized—ah, classic British humor!”
Though Nadal appreciated the joke, he made sure to keep the rivalry going. “I didn’t reply,” he added with a grin, “especially when PSG beat Arsenal a few weeks later.”
Beyond the playful banter, Nadal spoke about the bond between longtime competitors. “I think the greatest rivalries in tennis history have also been built on mutual respect. You don’t have to dislike someone to compete fiercely against them,” he explained.
“That’s something we’ve shown over the years—not just through results, but through our conduct. That’s the real legacy we’re leaving behind.”
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