Rafael Nadal has announced that he will retire from professional tennis later this year, marking the end of a remarkable career in which he won 22 Grand Slam titles and solidified his status as one of the greatest players in tennis history.
In a heartfelt video shared on social media, Nadal revealed that the Davis Cup finals in Malaga this November will be his final tournament, capping nearly 20 years at the pinnacle of the sport.
Known as the greatest clay-court player of all time, Nadal holds an unprecedented 14 French Open titles and once secured 81 consecutive wins on clay. He became the youngest male player to achieve a career Grand Slam when he won the 2010 US Open and spent 209 weeks as the world No. 1.
Throughout his career, he formed part of tennis’s legendary “Big Three” alongside Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, a rivalry that defined an iconic era in tennis. However, injuries over the past two years sparked rumors of his impending retirement, and the 38-year-old has now confirmed those speculations.
In his announcement, Nadal reflected on the challenges of the last few years: “The reality is that these last two years have been very difficult. I don’t think I’ve been able to play without limitations, and that’s a hard thing to accept.”
He expressed his gratitude to his supporters, rivals, and the entire tennis world, saying, “I feel super lucky for all the experiences I’ve had. To my colleagues, especially my great rivals, and the fans who have given me energy at every moment—thank you. Everything has been a dream come true.”
Nadal, who began his rise to prominence by helping Spain win the Davis Cup in 2004, noted the full-circle nature of ending his career at the same tournament, saying, “It feels fitting to conclude my career representing my country at the Davis Cup.”
He signed off with a message of gratitude and peace, stating: “I leave with the peace of mind that I gave everything. Thank you all, and see you soon.”
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