Ex-world number one golfer Rory McIlroy reacted to 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal's retirement, saying, "You've been a hero of mine." "From watching you win your first Grand Slam in 2005 to watching you win your last in 2022, you've been...an inspiration to how I approach my own career," McIlroy added. The 35-year-old further stated Nadal "will be missed".