Tennis Icon Rafael Nadal Announces Retirement From Professional Tennis

Nadal, who has won 22 Grand Slam singles titles throughout his glittering career, shared his mixed emotions.

In an announcement that shocked millions, Spanish tennis icon Rafael Nadal has announced his retirement from professional tennis. The 38-year-old legend revealed on Thursday that his final tournament will be the Davis Cup, scheduled for November 19-24.

Nadal, who has won 22 Grand Slam singles titles throughout his glittering career, shared his mixed emotions as he approaches the end of his tennis journey.

“It has been some difficult years, these last two especially,” Nadal said in a heartfelt video message.

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

Despite the challenges, he expressed enthusiasm about competing in the Davis Cup, highlighting the importance of representing Spain one last time. “It’s closing the circle because one of my first joys was the final in Sevilla in 2004,” he reflected, referring to his early career success.

This decision follows a tough few years for Nadal, who has been plagued by injuries, including those that sidelined him from the 2023 French Open.

Earlier this year, he suffered a shocking first-round loss to Germany’s Alexander Zverev at Roland Garros, a tournament where Nadal holds an extraordinary 112-4 win record, with his last victory in 2022.

As Nadal announces to take his final bow, his legacy as one of the greatest players in tennis history remains forever.

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