On October 10, renowned tennis player Rafael Nadal announced his retirement from professional tennis. He announced his final match will be at the Davis Cup Finals, which take place from November 19 to November 24, where he will represent his country Spain. The 38-year-old has won 22 Grand Slams, including 14 French Opens, 4 U.S. Opens, 2 Australian Opens and 2 Wimbledons, making him among the most decorated tennis players in history. Nadal is considered to be part of the “big three” in tennis with fellow stars Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer.
Nadal is one of only three tennis players to have won over 300 men’s singles matches at Grand Slam events, holding a 314-44 career win-loss record in Grand Slams. His remarkable performance on clay has earned him the title of “The King of Clay,” with a 112-4 French Open record. Over the last two decades, the Spanish star has entertained his sea of admirers worldwide with his warrior-like performances.
Nadal is known for his ability to compose his emotions. He has never smashed a racket, something almost unheard of in tennis. His ability to control his emotions has led to widespread respect and recognition across the tennis world.
The announcement came after Nadal’s struggle with injuries over the past few years impacted not only his season but his life as well. When announcing his retirement, he reflected on his career and legacy, expressing that he achieved more than he ever thought he would and was grateful for all the support he received from the tennis community.
Nadal stated, “I leave with the absolute peace of mind of having given my best, of having made an effort in every way…” acknowledging that the time had come. Throughout his career, he has suffered numerous injuries, including to his knees and wrist, and a rare chronic foot condition known as Mueller-Weiss syndrome. This syndrome caused a mishap in the navicular bone, resulting in arthritis in the joints that make up the ankle and foot. Despite these obstacles, the Spaniard has persevered with resilience and determination, consistently returning to the top.
Athletes across a spectrum of sports showed respect and admiration for Nadal’s career, including soccer stars Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Former tennis star Federer posted on Instagram, “What a career, Rafa! I always hoped this day would never come. Thank you for the unforgettable memories and incredible achievements in the game we love. It’s been an absolute honor.” The two tennis players played each other 40 times, creating a strong bond and respect for each other. Other tennis athletes, such as Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Billie Jean King, Serena Williams and Nicholas Kyrgios expressed their congratulations and gratitude towards Nadal’s incredible career.
