New Delhi: In a heartfelt announcement, 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal confirmed that he will retire from professional tennis at the end of the 2024 season. The 38-year-old Spaniard, who has previously hinted that this would be his final year in the sport, is set to compete in his last professional event at the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga, scheduled for November 19-24.
Nadal, regarded as the second-most successful men’s singles player in tennis history, trails only his long-time rival Novak Djokovic, who has amassed 24 major titles.
In a video message shared on his social media channels, Nadal expressed the challenges he has faced in recent years. “I am here to let you know I am retiring from professional tennis. 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,” he stated.
The decision to retire was not easy for Nadal, who has enjoyed a remarkably successful career. “It is obviously a difficult decision that has taken me some time to make. In this life, everything has a beginning and an end. And I think it’s the appropriate time to put an end to a career that has been long and much more successful than I could have ever imagined,” he added.
Nadal expressed excitement about concluding his illustrious career by representing Spain in the Davis Cup, recalling the significance of the event in his journey as a professional athlete. “I’m very excited that my last tournament will be the final of the Davis Cup and representing my country. I think I have come full circle since one of my first great joys as a professional tennis player was the Davis Cup final in Seville in 2004,” he remarked.
Throughout his storied career, Nadal has secured an impressive 92 tour-level titles, including a record 14 crowns at the French Open. His Grand Slam achievements also include four US Open titles and two victories each at both the Australian Open and Wimbledon. Additionally, Nadal has made significant contributions to Spain’s tennis legacy, winning Olympic singles and doubles gold and helping the nation clinch five Davis Cup titles, with the most recent victory occurring in 2019.
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