Rafael Nadal, the tennis star who is one of the greatest in tennis history, has announced his official retirement from professional tennis. From his last Roland Garros appearance, he knew that his time in sports was now limited.
The 38-year-old Spaniard will make a final appearance as he will represent Spain at the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga next month. After fighting through injuries for two consecutive seasons, Nadal has finally declared that this is the right time to leave the sport that he dominated nearly two decades of his life.
Injuries Force Nadal's Tough Decision
Nadal's body has had to deal with a long list of injuries, particularly over the last two years. In a video message released Thursday, Oct. 10, Nadal announced that he will retire soon from the sports he always loves because of "limitations," BBC reports.
Many weren't surprised, given that it was coming on the back of hardly playing in either of the two seasons, 2023 and 2024. He had already hinted at it last year, pointing out the toll injuries were taking on his performance and ability to compete at the top.
Nadal's Tennis Career Was Out of the Books
Nadal retired as the second-most successful male singles tennis player in history, after his arch-rival, Novak Djokovic. Known to be the "King of Clay," Nadal's dominance at the French Open is the stuff of legend, winning the tournament a record 14 times, claiming 112 victories in 116 matches played at Roland Garros-a feat unsurpassed in tennis history.
But his Grand Slam triumphs did not end there. He clinched four US Open titles, two Australian Open titles, and two Wimbledon crowns. He also had his share of Olympic glory by winning gold medals in both singles and doubles for Spain, while leading his country to four Davis Cup titles, the last of which was in 2019.
"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 said in Spanish.
His retirement wasn't easy for fans and even his rivals to take. His long-time rival Roger Federer praised Nadal for being a great athlete and friend.
"What a career, Rafa! I always hoped this day would never come," the 20-time Grand Slam winner said.
"You are amazing! It's been so incredible to witness your greatness and work ethic and be able to learn from it. Wishing you all the best in the next chapter," nine doubles titlist Coco Gauff said.
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