Rafael Nadal, the 22-time Grand Slam champion, has announced that he will retire from professional tennis after next month’s Davis Cup Finals. One of the greatest players in tennis history, Nadal prepares for an emotional farewell following an illustrious but injury-plagued career.
The 38-year-old Spaniard, known for his unparalleled dominance on clay courts, especially with a record 14 French Open titles, shared his decision on Thursday through a video announcement on social media.
“I am here to let you know I am retiring from professional tennis,” Nadal said. “It is obviously a difficult decision, one that has taken me some time to make, but in this life, everything has a beginning and an end, and I think it’s the appropriate time to put an end to a career that has been long and much more successful than I could have ever imagined.”
Nadal’s final appearance will be at the Davis Cup Final Eight in Malaga, Spain, from November 19 to 24. He was a surprise selection for the Spanish team after last competing at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics in July. Fitness concerns had kept him out of recent tournaments, including the U.S. Open and the Laver Cup.
The tennis legend has battled numerous injuries throughout his 23-year career. A lingering hip injury at the Australian Open in early 2023 required surgery and limited his appearances in the following months. Despite hopes of prolonging his career, persistent fitness woes restricted him to just 23 matches over the last two seasons.
Nadal expressed his excitement about finishing his career representing Spain. “I am very excited that my last tournament will be the final of the Davis Cup and representing my country,” he said. “I think I’ve come full circle, since one of my first great joys as a professional tennis player was the Davis Cup Final in Sevilla in 2004. I feel super, super lucky for all the things I’ve been able to experience.”
He will reunite with four-time major champion Carlos Alcaraz, after the duo played together at Paris 2024. Nadal had returned to Roland Garros earlier this season but was defeated in the opening round of the French Open by Germany’s Alexander Zverev.
Now, as he prepares to bow out in front of a cheering home crowd in Malaga, fans around the world are reflecting on an extraordinary career filled with memorable moments and historic achievements.
Reference(s):
22-time Grand Slam champ Nadal to retire after injury-hit final season
cgtn.com
