The career of one of the greatest sportsmen of this generation would come to an end next month as Spaniard Rafael Nadal on Thursday revealed he would be calling it a day on his tennis career in November.
The 38-year-old, who claimed 22 Grand Slam titles among many other career triumphs, said his retirement would be effective after the Davis Cup Final 8 in Malaga in November.
The Spanish tennis great has battled with injuries in recent times, barely playing over the past two seasons, with only 23 games to his name.
“I am here to let you know I am retiring from professional tennis,” Nadal said in a video on social media. “The reality is that it has been some difficult years, the last two especially.
“I don’t think I have been able to play without limitations.
“I am very excited that my last tournament will be the Davis Cup representing my country. It’s closing the circle because one of my first joys was the final in Sevilla in 2004.”
Mil gracias a todos
Many thanks to all
Merci beaucoup à tous
Grazie mille à tutti
谢谢大家
شكرا لكم جميعا
תודה לכולכם
Obrigado a todos
Vielen Dank euch allen
Tack alla
Хвала свима
Gràcies a tots pic.twitter.com/7yPRs7QrOi— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) October 10, 2024
Having suggested last year that he may consider retiring in 2024, the two-time Olympic gold medallist will now retire as the second-most successful men’s singles player of all time, behind only Serbian Novak Djokovic.
Nadal further thanked his family and his team for an amazing career, particularly honouring his uncle Toni, who coached him for most of his career.
“I believe that thanks to him, I have also been able to overcome many situations that have been difficult in my sporting career,” he said.
To his fans, Nadal added: “I can’t thank you enough for what you have made me feel. Everything I have experienced has been a dream come true.”
“I leave with the absolute peace of mind having given my best.”
The heavy-hitting Spaniard will call time on his career two years after his great friend and rival Roger Federer, bringing an end to the careers of two of the famous “Big Three”.
Nadal, dubbed the ‘King of Clay’, won 14 French Open titles in his career, the most of anyone, departing Roland Garros with a staggering 112 win out of his 116 matches on the Clay court.
He also clinched four US Open titles, and is a two-time champion in both the Australian Open and Wimbledon as well as leading Spain to five Davis Cup title, most recently in 2019.
The Davis Cup knockout phase will be played from November 19-24, 2024.
