Rafael Nadal has announced his intention to retire from professional tennis in a shock announcement on Thursday morning.
The Spanish tennis icon is considered one of the greatest to ever play the game – and by some the best of all – but has shocked fans by confirming that he will soon be hanging up his racket for good.
Nadal, now 38, posted an emotional video on his social media account announcing the decision, reflecting on a career that was ‘longer and more successful then I could ever have imagined’.
The 38-year-old Spaniard, who won 22 grand slam titles including 14 at the French Open, revealed the news in a video message posted on X.
He said: ‘Hello everyone. I’m here to let you know that I am retiring from professional tennis.’
Rafael Nadal has announced his intention to retire from tennis, bringing an end to a storied career in tennis
Nadal represented Spain at the Olympics in Paris on the court that has seen him enjoy so much glory
He first erupted onto the scene with a stunning French Open title at 19 in 2005 – his first attempt
Nadal has struggled with fitness and physical issues over the past two years, despite still competing at some of the sport’s more prestigious competitions, as he touched on in his heartfelt message, admitting it has been hard to play ‘without limitations’.
The tennis icon erupted onto the scene with a stunning French Open win at just 19 in 2005 at his first attempt, beating Roger Federer in the semis along the way – one of only four to beat the great Swiss that year.
He would later follow it up with another 13 titles at Roland Garros, with nine coming in his first 10 attempts, becoming one of the most dominant athletes in any sport in one specific event.
By 24 he had won all available grand slam titles – becoming the youngest to ever do so in the process – and has also twice earned Olympic gold for Spain (singles in 2008, doubles in 2016).
Yet, as he reflects in his message, all great things must come to an end, and the final of the upcoming Davis Cup will be Nadal’s final foray onto the court as a professional tennis player.
‘I think it’s the appropriate time to put an end to a career that has been long and much more successful than I ever could have imagined.
‘But, I am very excited that my last tournament will be the final of the Davis Cup and representing my country.
‘I think I’ve come full circle since one of my first great joys as a professional tennis player was the Davis Cup final in Sevilla in 2004.’
As one prong of tennis’ unfathomably successful and dominant triumvirate of stars, alongside Federer and Novak Djokovic, Nadal’s departure, while long-predicted, will still leave a gaping hole in the sport.
Of the trio, Djokovic is now the last player still out on the court.
Nadal has played out some of the sport’s most memorable matches, and his endeavour, determination, ability to play far beyond the pain barrier and sheer will to have earned him universal acclaim, from tennis and beyond.
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