Rafael Nadal, one of the most legendary figures in world sport, has announced his retirement from professional tennis after a career that has thrilled millions of people in Spain and around the world for more than 20 years. At the age of 38, he is hanging up his racket, with the intention of saying goodbye for good in Malaga, from November 19 to 24, when he will represent the Spanish National Team in the Davis Cup Finals.
“Hello everyone, I’m here to tell you that I’m retiring from professional tennis. The reality is that it has been a difficult few years, these last two especially. I think I have not been able to play without limitations. It is obviously a difficult decision, which has taken me a while to make. But in this life everything has a beginning and an end, and I think it’s the right time to put an end to what has been a long and more successful career than I could have ever imagined,” said Nadal, visibly moved, in a video posted on his social networks.
The Spaniard leaves behind an impressive legacy, with 92 titles, 22 of them Grand Slam: 14 victories at Roland Garros, two at Wimbledon, two at the Australian Open and four at the US Open. He also won 36 Masters 1000 titles, two Olympic golds and five times the Davis Cup with Spain. His career spanned more than 1,300 matches with a 1080-227 record and he reached world number one in eight different stages, accumulating 209 weeks in that position.
The year 2023 was a year marked by injuries, especially the one suffered in the left iliac psoas, which kept him out of the courts for much of the season. In May 2023, at a press conference in Manacor, Nadal had already advanced his intention to retire after a complicated period. Despite his efforts to compete in the Paris Olympics and several key tournaments, physical limitations did not allow him to perform at his usual level.
Mil gracias a todos
Many thanks to all
Merci beaucoup à tous
Grazie mille à tutti
谢谢大家
شكرا لكم جميعا
תודה לכולכם
Obrigado a todos
Vielen Dank euch allen
Tack alla
Хвала свима
Gràcies a tots pic.twitter.com/7yPRs7QrOi— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) October 10, 2024
THE ILLUSION OF HIS LAST TIME WITH SPAIN
“I am very excited that my last tournament will be the Davis Cup final and representing my country. I think it is to close the circle, since one of my first great joys as a professional tennis player was the final in Seville in 2004″, said Nadal to confirm their participation in the competition in November.
With words of gratitude to his family, his team and fans, Nadal stressed: “I leave with the absolute tranquility of having given the maximum, of having made an effort in every way. I can only finish by saying a thousand thanks to everyone and see you soon”. Although he has announced his definitive retirement, Nadal’s fans will be able to enjoy his talent one last time in Malaga and at an exhibition tournament in Saudi Arabia before his official farewell.
