Tennis legend Rafael Nadal has announced that he will retire from professional tennis at the end of this year. The 38-year-old has enjoyed an illustrious career, securing 22 Grand Slam titles, including an unprecedented 14 French Open victories. However, chronic injuries have affected him in recent years, leading to his decision to step away from the sport.
Nadal will compete for Spain in the Davis Cup in Malaga from November 19 to 21, marking his final appearance on the tennis court. He expressed his gratitude for a career filled with extraordinary moments alongside peers like Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray.
In a heartfelt video message, Nadal stated, “I’m here to let you know that I am retiring from professional tennis. These past two years have been especially challenging, and I haven’t been able to play without limitations. This decision has not been easy and took time to reach. However, everything in life has a beginning and an end, and I believe it is the right time to conclude a career that has been longer and more successful than I ever imagined.”
A notable highlight for Nadal is that his last tournament will be the Davis Cup, a competition that holds special significance for him, as one of his earliest joys as a professional came during the Davis Cup final in Sevilla in 2004.
Turning professional in 2001, Nadal won the French Open in his first attempt in 2005 and quickly established himself as the dominant force on clay, achieving 14 titles at Roland Garros over nearly two decades. He has additional Grand Slam titles at the Australian Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open, showcasing his versatility across surfaces.
One of his most memorable matches came in 2008 when he defeated Roger Federer in a historic Wimbledon final that is often hailed as one of the best in men’s tennis history. Nadal also claimed Olympic gold medals in men’s singles in 2008 and men’s doubles in 2016, and he held the world No. 1 ranking for 209 weeks during his career.
Federer shared a tribute on social media, stating, “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!”
Nadal has a statue outside Roland Garros, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest clay court players in history. Despite his recent injury struggles, including foot problems and abdominal issues, he remained determined to compete in major tournaments, including this year’s French Open and the Olympics.
Throughout his remarkable 23-year career, Nadal achieved impressive statistics, including a remarkable 112 wins and only four losses at Roland Garros. His longevity in the sport is highlighted by an incredible 13-year gap between his Australian Open titles. He made a total of 30 Grand Slam finals appearances, winning 22 and securing 92 ATP Tour-level singles titles, alongside four Davis Cup championships.
In his farewell message, Nadal expressed his deep appreciation for the sport and everyone involved in it, especially his competitors and team members, who he considers friends. He also thanked his fans for their unwavering support, stating, “Everything I have experienced has been a dream come true. I leave with the absolute peace of mind of having given my best and making every effort I could. I can only end by saying, a thousand thanks to you all. See you soon.”