Only Spice Girls and Rafael Nadal” – Maria Sharapova and Serena Williams turn heads in special Nike ‘merch’ to honor Spaniard amid Davis Cup farewell
Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova paid tribute to Rafael Nadal as the Spaniard competed in the final tournament of his illustrious career at the 2024 Davis Cup Finals. They donned special commemorative t-shirts, designed by Nadal’s longtime clothing sponsor Nike, to honor the 22-time Grand Slam champion.
With Spain taking on the Netherlands in the quarterfinals of the Davis Cup Finals, Nadal delighted the home fans by stepping out on the court against Botic van de Zandschulp in the singles opener. Despite his admirable effort in potentially the final match of his career, the Spaniard fell short against Van de Zandschulp, who claimed a 6-4, 6-4 victory.
However, Carlos Alcaraz kept Spain’s hopes alive as he triumphed over Tallon Griekspoor 7-6(0), 6-3 to postpone the former World No. 1’s retirement. However, the curtains closed on Nadal’s remarkable career once the Dutch duo of Van de Zandschulp and Wesley Koolhof claimed a hard-fought 7-6(4), 7-6(3) win over Alcaraz and Marcel Granollers to advance to the semifinals.
Amid Rafael Nadal’s farewell at the Davis Cup Finals, Maria Sharapova and Serena Williams, who were both sponsored by Nike during their playing days, displayed their support by wearing the special tribute t-shirts for the Spaniard. Sharapova even joked that the only “merch” she would ever consider wearing belonged to Nadal or the Spice Girls.
“The only merch I’d ever wear is Spice Girls and Rafa 😆 @ Nike,” Sharapova posted on her Instagram story.
