Rafael Nadal has announced his retirement from professional tennis, bringing to an end a remarkable career that spanned over 20 years. In a heartfelt video posted on social media, Nadal expressed his gratitude and reflected on the many aspects of his journey.
He admitted that the decision to retire was difficult, especially after two years plagued by injuries. Nadal said that despite his efforts, he no longer felt able to play without limitations. He described his retirement as “the appropriate time” to close the chapter of his illustrious career, which exceeded all his expectations.
Nadal’s final tournament will be the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga, Spain, in November 2024. This tournament holds special significance for him, as one of his first major career highlights was winning the Davis Cup in Seville in 2004. He expressed excitement to represent his country one last time, completing what he called a full circle in his tennis career.
During his announcement, Nadal took the time to acknowledge his most significant rivals, including Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray, calling them part of his journey and mentioning the many unforgettable moments he shared with them on and off the court. His rivalry with these players helped define an era in tennis, and he expressed deep appreciation for the challenges they posed and the camaraderie they fostered over the years.
Nadal also spoke emotionally about his team, emphasizing that they were not just colleagues but lifelong friends who had supported him through his ups and downs. His family, he said, was the cornerstone of his life, with special thanks to his mother, his wife Mery, and his son, who gave him the strength to continue competing.
Reflecting on his legacy, Nadal said he feels “super lucky” for everything he has experienced in tennis and expressed peace of mind in making the decision to retire. As he prepares for his final matches, Nadal’s farewell is a bittersweet moment, not only for his fans but for the tennis world at large, marking the end of an era dominated by the Big Four—Federer, Djokovic, Murray, and Nadal himself.