- Nadal confirms retirement in video statement
- Last match at Davis Cup Finals, Malaga
- Praises family, friends, and tennis rivals
The 38-year-old, who owns 22 Grand Slam titles, announced in a video statement broadcast to social media.
Rafael Nadal confirmed his retirement from competitive tennis.
The 38-year-old, who has won 22 Grand Slam titles, announced in a video message posted to X.
“Hello, everyone. “I’m here to inform you that I am retiring from professional tennis,” the Spaniard stated.
“The reality is that the previous two years have been tough. “I don’t think I’ve ever been able to play without limits,” he stated.
It is a difficult decision, and it has taken me some time.
However, in this life, everything has a beginning and an end.
And it is time to terminate a long and successful career that has exceeded my expectations.
Nadal set numerous records on clay but was an all-time great on all surfaces.
However, the 14-time French Open champion, who also won four US Open crowns and Wimbledon in 2008 and 2010, has struggled with ailments recently.
In May last year, he revealed that he was nearing the end of his career and intended to play one more year on tour in 2024.
Nadal stated Thursday that his farewell match for Spain will be at the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga next month, capping an illustrious career.
“I am very excited that my last tournament will be the Davis Cup final and that I will be representing my country,” the tennis player stated in the video message.
He stated that the competition would be an appropriate conclusion to his career because “one of my first great joys as a professional tennis player was the Davis Cup final in Sevilla in 2004”.
Spain defeated the United States, with then-18-year-old Rafael Nadal defeating Andy Roddick.
Nadal’s victories occurred during an unparalleled period in world tennis, when he, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and, for a time, Britain’s Andy Murray dominated the game.
The former men’s world number one was distraught when Federer, whom he had played against 40 times, announced his retirement during the Laver Cup in 2022.
Take a step towards financial freedom – claim your free Webull shares now!
I am incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to experience everything I have.
“I’d want to thank the entire tennis industry, everyone involved in the sport, my long-time colleagues, and especially my great rivals.
“I have spent many hours with them and have lived many moments that I will remember for the rest of my life.”
He stated that his support network has played a vital role in his life. “They are not just co-workers; they are friends,” he said. He continued, “My family is everything to me.”
Nadal spoke of his mother’s “sacrifices” and praised his wife and companion of 19 years, Maria, for staying at his side on tour over the years.
“Coming home and seeing how my son is growing every day has been a force that has kept me alive,” he said, referring to their son Rafael Jr.
24 individuals linked to hundreds of Gosport War Memorial Hospital deaths
