Tennis legend Rafael Nadal has officially announced his upcoming retirement, marking the end of an extraordinary career in which he captured 22 Grand Slam titles and cemented himself as one of the greatest players in the sport’s history. Nadal’s final appearance will be in November when he represents Spain in the Davis Cup finals.
At 38, Nadal has struggled with recurring injuries, especially in the last two seasons, which have significantly limited his time on the court. His last professional match was at the Paris Olympics. Despite his valiant efforts to continue competing, the physical toll became too much.
In a heartfelt video shared on social media, Nadal addressed his fans and the tennis world: “Hello everyone, I’m here to let you know that I am retiring from professional tennis. The last few years, particularly these last two, have been very difficult for me. I haven’t been able to play without limitations.”
He acknowledged the bittersweet nature of his decision but recognized it was time: “It’s obviously a tough decision, one I’ve taken my time with. But in life, everything has a beginning and an end. I think now is the right moment to bring my career to a close—a career that has been longer and more successful than I ever dreamed.”
Nadal, who skipped last month’s Laver Cup due to fitness issues, had already hinted that 2024 would likely be his last year on tour. With 22 Grand Slam titles, he stands just behind his longtime rival Novak Djokovic, who holds the record for the most in men’s tennis. Nadal also boasts 36 Masters 1000 titles, the second most in history.
Beyond his Grand Slam achievements, Nadal has also brought home Olympic gold for Spain in both singles and doubles and led his nation to five Davis Cup victories. Known as the “King of Clay,” he dominated the French Open, winning 14 titles and losing just four matches out of an astonishing 116 played in Paris.
His resume also includes four US Open titles, two Australian Open victories, and two Wimbledon championships. His 2008 Wimbledon final against Roger Federer is still regarded by many as the greatest tennis match ever played.
Nadal reflected on his full-circle journey, saying: “I’m very excited that my final tournament will be the Davis Cup finals, representing my country. One of my earliest career highlights was the Davis Cup final in Seville in 2004, and it feels right to finish where it all began. I feel incredibly lucky for everything I’ve been able to experience.”
He expressed gratitude toward his rivals and colleagues, particularly those who pushed him to his limits on the court: “I want to thank everyone in the tennis world—my longtime rivals, especially. I’ve spent so many hours with them, and we’ve shared moments I’ll remember for the rest of my life.”
For Nadal, his team was more than just support staff; they were family: “Talking about my team is the hardest part. They’ve been with me through everything—good times and bad. They’re not just colleagues; they’re friends.”
Federer, whose epic rivalry with Nadal defined a generation of tennis, paid tribute to his friend and competitor on Instagram. “What a career, Rafa!” Federer wrote. “I always hoped this day would never come. Thank you for the unforgettable memories and everything you’ve done for the game we both love. It’s been an honor.”
As Nadal prepares to say goodbye to professional tennis, he does so with pride: “I leave with peace of mind, knowing I gave everything I had. I worked hard in every aspect of my career, and I have no regrets.”