A quote from Rudyard Kipling’s poem “If” is prominently displayed on the wall at the players’ entrance to Wimbledon’s Centre Court, stating, “If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster and treat those two imposters both the same.” This sentiment reflects the spirit of Rafael Nadal, the Spanish tennis icon who announced his retirement from the sport on Thursday after two decades of remarkable achievements.
American tennis great Chris Evert highlighted that these words perfectly embody Nadal. She noted his ability to face challenges on the court with strength and resilience, maintaining an inner calm and humility throughout his career. According to Evert, Nadal never smashed his racquets or berated his coaching staff after a loss, and always offered compliments instead of excuses. Among the trio of all-time great male players—Nadal, Roger Federer, and Novak Djokovic—Nadal stood out for his modesty, enjoying victory without seeking the spotlight.
Evert remarked on the often contentious nature of professional sports, noting that Nadal was a “bright light” who brought stability amid the turmoil. His absence will create a significant gap in the sport.
At 38 years old, Nadal had been hinting at retirement throughout the year as injuries hindered his performance; he participated in only one major tournament, the French Open, in 2024, where he was eliminated in the first round. Although he could have opted for a farewell tour, he chose to leave the stage on his own terms, focusing on the upcoming Davis Cup Final 8 in Malaga, Spain, starting November 19, where he aims to add a fifth title for his country.
Nadal’s illustrious career includes 22 major championship titles, second only to Djokovic’s 24. He is renowned as the greatest clay-court player ever, earning a statue at Roland-Garros in Paris in 2021 while still active in the sport. His last major victory came at Roland-Garros a year later.
Evert, who herself has won seven French Open titles, reflected on the impact Nadal had on the game, saying his presence redefined expectations.
Patrick McEnroe, ESPN commentator, recalled watching the 2019 French Open final, where Nadal defeated Dominic Thiem in straight sets. McEnroe highlighted Nadal’s aggressive playing style and incredible defensive skills, which set him apart from his peers.
Nadal’s journey began with his first French Open win in 2005 at age 19, paving the way for subsequent titles and a monumental victory against Federer at Wimbledon in 2008. This match, lasting nearly seven hours, is regarded as one of the greatest ever played. Throughout his career, Nadal won multiple titles at various Grand Slam tournaments.
His rivalry with Federer became legendary, capturing the attention of tennis fans worldwide, with both players enjoying extraordinary popularity outside their home countries. Despite Nadal’s success at Wimbledon, he consistently bested Federer at Roland-Garros, winning all six encounters there.
While Nadal’s competitive spirit was evident, his exceptional ability to strike the ball consistently—with a topspin forehand unmatched in the game—was also a hallmark of his greatness. Pundits once speculated that his aggressive playing style would lead to early burnout, yet Nadal defied expectations by maintaining his performance over a remarkable 23-year career, including two Olympic gold medals.
As fans brace for his departure, the reality of Nadal’s retirement—though anticipated—brings a profound sense of loss for the tennis community, as he leaves behind an unparalleled legacy both on and off the court.