Rafael Nadal announces retirement

Veteran Spanish player, Rafael Nadal has announced his retirement from professional tennis, which would take effect after the Davis Cup in November.

The former world number one has had a fulfilling career spanning three decades, with so many records and titles to his name. He would represent his country Spain one last time at the Davis Cup before saying goodbye to the game one last time.

Born in Mallorca, Spain in 1986, Rafael Nadal has risen to the highest heights in professional men’s tennis since turning pro in 2001, ending his career with 92 singles titles in total. He won his first grand slam title at the French Open in 2005, then went on to win the title for the next three years, quickly establishing himself as the king of Roland Garros, which was also where he won his last grand slam in 2022. 

However, in recent years, Nadal has been affected by injuries that have seen him take long breaks, often months from playing. This initially led to speculations that he would be retiring soon, and he even hinted that he was already considering retiring at some point. 

The 38-year-old broke news of his retirement on Thursday with a video shared on social media platforms where he mentioned the limitations he’s been facing as the reason for his decision to retire now. 

He said: “I’m here to let you know that I am retiring from professional tennis. The reality is that it has been some difficult years, these last two especially. I don’t think I have been able to play without limitations. 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.

“But I am very excited that my last tournament will be the final of the Davis Cup and representing my country. I think I’ve come full circle since one of my first great joys as a professional tennis player was the Davis Cup final in Seville in 2004.”

“I leave with the absolute peace of mind of having given my best, of having made an effort in every way. I can only end by saying a thousand thanks to all, and see you soon.”

Nadal would be retiring as a 22-time grand slam champion, 14 of those titles from the French Open, as well as a two-time Olympic gold medalist in the singles and doubles events. 

He is now the second member of the now defunct Big Three (he, Roger Federer (rtd), and Novak Djokovic) to retire. Amongst many things, Nadal would be remembered for his charisma and cool-headed nature, on and off the court, and how well he represented his home country at international events, especially winning four Davis Cup titles with them, which is the most any country has won since the start of the century. This makes it all the more fitting that that should be his final competition.