Rafael Nadal has paid tribute to one of his old rivals after they entered retirement.

Diego Schwartzman officially ended his career on Thursday night after a second-round defeat at the Argentina Open.

The former world No. 8 famously beat Nadal at the 2020 Italian Open and pushed him at the French Open, and the Spaniard was full of praise for his former foe.

Last May, Schwartzman announced his plans to retire on home soil at the 2025 edition of the Argentina Open. The 32-year-old had barely played in the lead-up to his farewell tournament.

Schwartzman did not play a match between the US Open in September and last week’s Rosario Challenger, another home tournament where he received a wildcard to say goodbye.

The Argentine enjoyed one more winning moment on a match court on Wednesday as he arrived at his last tournament and defeated No. 7 Nicolas Jarry in the first round.

But Schwartzman couldn’t keep his run going and lost 6-2 6-2 to Pedro Martinez on Thursday, bringing his career to an end.

The former world No. 8 became emotional, tearing up ahead of his last game. He was honoured with a farewell video and as he left the court, he received a guard of honour.

Tributes quickly started pouring in, and Nadal sent a heartfelt message to his old rival. The 22-time Major winner shared seven photos of himself with Schwartzman and lauded his career.

“Congrats @dieschwartzman on your great career! You’ve been a great example of fighting and overcoming and I’m glad we shared so many moments on the circuit. Enjoy your next stage!” he wrote.

The Argentine was touched by the message – and he had to take the opportunity to mention his lone match win against Nadal.

Schwartzman replied: “Thank you for teaching me and teaching tennis so many values. You are greater than words can express. It was incredible to have shared so many moments and not to talk about beating you once.”

The four-time title winner has already been enjoying life in retirement. Schwartzman shared a snap of himself celebrating at a restaurant with a glass of fizz in his hand and wrote: “Tennis I will always love you!!! Officially retired.”

Carlos Alcaraz was straight in the comments. “You’re too big little one,” he wrote, while Thanasi Kokkinakis branded Schwartzman a “legend”.

Fellow retired Argentine player Juan Martin del Potro also paid tribute. “Grande Peque,” he wrote on his Instagram story.