Tennis legend Rafael Nadal has announced he will retire at the end of this year. The 38-year-old has had an outstanding career, winning 22 Grand Slam titles, including 14 French Opens. However, recent injuries have made it difficult for him to continue, and he confirmed Thursday that this will be his final year in tennis. Nadal’s last match will be in the Davis Cup for Spain against the Netherlands in November.
In a video statement, Nadal expressed that while it was a hard decision, it was time to end his career, which has been more successful than he ever imagined. He shared how special it is for him to finish with the Davis Cup, as one of his earliest career highlights was winning the same tournament in 2004.
Nadal turned professional in 2001 and won the French Open in his first attempt in 2005. He became known for his dominance on clay, winning the French Open 14 times over 18 years. Nadal also claimed victories at other major tournaments, including the Australian Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open, and won Olympic gold medals in both singles and doubles.
Injuries have plagued Nadal in recent years, including a foot condition and abdominal issues. He missed the Australian Open this year but managed to play in the French Open and the Paris Olympics, teaming up with Carlos Alcaraz in men’s doubles.
Throughout his 23-year career, Nadal achieved remarkable success, including 22 Grand Slam titles, 92 ATP singles titles, and four Davis Cup championships. He thanked his rivals, team, and fans, saying he feels lucky to have experienced such a fulfilling career. As he steps away from the sport, Nadal leaves behind a lasting legacy, particularly for his unmatched skill on clay.
