Rafael Nadal has announced his retirement from professional tennis at the age of 38, following a remarkable career that saw him earn 22 Grand Slam titles, including 14 at the French Open. In a video message released Thursday, Nadal stated that the upcoming Davis Cup finals will be his final appearance in the sport. His decision follows a challenging two years plagued by injuries, including hip surgery earlier this year.
Reflecting on his career, Nadal admitted the decision was difficult but necessary, acknowledging that he had struggled to compete without limitations in recent times. He expressed gratitude for his success and the memories he created throughout his career, stating, “I think it is the appropriate time to put an end to a career that has been long and much more successful than I could have ever imagined.”
Known for his relentless playing style, Nadal’s dominance on clay courts earned him the title of the “King of Clay,” a claim underscored by his record 14 French Open championships, which remains unmatched in tennis history. His last tournament appearance came at the 2023 French Open, where he suffered a first-round defeat. He also participated in the Summer Olympics in Paris, where he exited in the second round of singles.
Over his storied career, Nadal achieved significant milestones, including four U.S. Open titles and two each at Wimbledon and the Australian Open. His final Grand Slam victories came in 2022, helping him surpass Roger Federer’s previous record of 20 titles before Djokovic later overtook both with 24.
Nadal’s storied rivalry with Federer and Djokovic captivated the tennis world, sparking debates about who deserves the title of “Greatest Of All Time.” Across their encounters, Nadal enjoyed notable successes, being a fierce competitor in their 60 meetings.
Sending his regards via social media, Federer thanked Nadal for the unforgettable memories and significant contributions to the sport. Nadal’s journey has been marked by resilience, having coped with numerous injuries yet continuing to perform at the highest level. He exits the sport with an impressive record, including 92 singles titles and a career win-loss record of 1,080-227.
As he prepares to step away from tennis, Nadal reflects on his experiences with immense pride, stating, “I leave with the absolute peace of mind of having given my best.”