Tennis legend Rafael Nadal announced that he will retire from the sport at the end of the year, concluding a remarkable career that includes 22 Grand Slam titles, with 14 victories at the French Open. At 38 years old, Nadal has faced persistent injuries in recent years, leading him to make the difficult decision to step away from professional tennis.
Nadal’s final appearance will be for Spain in the Davis Cup against the Netherlands in Malaga from November 19-21. This tournament marks the culmination of a career where he has been celebrated alongside Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray as one of the modern greats of men’s tennis.
In a heartfelt video statement shared on social media, Nadal expressed his feelings about retirement. “I am here to let you know that I am retiring from professional tennis,” he stated. “These past few years, particularly the last two, have been challenging. I have struggled to play without limitations. It’s a difficult choice that took time to make.”
Nadal reflected on the journey of his career, saying, “Everything has a beginning and an end. I believe it’s the right time to conclude a career far beyond anything I could have imagined. I am genuinely excited that my last tournament will be the Davis Cup final, representing my country. It’s a full-circle moment, as one of my first great joys as a professional was participating in the Davis Cup final in Sevilla in 2004. I feel incredibly fortunate for everything I’ve experienced, and I want to thank the entire tennis community.”
Nadal turned professional in 2001, winning the French Open in his first attempt in 2005, and established himself as a clay court powerhouse with 14 titles at Roland Garros over 18 years. He also won the Australian Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open multiple times, and claimed an Olympic gold medal in men’s singles in 2008 and in men’s doubles in 2016. His epic 2008 Wimbledon final against Federer is often hailed as one of the greatest matches in tennis history.
Tributes have poured in, including a heartfelt message from Federer, who honored Nadal’s career on Instagram, saying, “What a career, Rafa. I always hoped this day would never come. Thank you for the unforgettable memories and all your incredible achievements in the game we love. It’s been an absolute honour!”
Despite recent struggles with injuries, including experiencing Mueller-Weiss syndrome in his foot, Nadal’s career statistics are astonishing. He boasts a record of 112 wins to just four losses at the French Open and has made 30 Grand Slam final appearances, winning 22 of them. Nadal has also achieved 92 ATP Tour-level singles titles and four Davis Cup titles.
In his closing remarks, Nadal expressed deep gratitude to his team, rivals, and fans, saying, “I can’t thank you enough for the energy you’ve given me. Everything I’ve experienced has been a dream come true. I leave with peace of mind, having given my best. A thousand thanks to you all. See you soon.”