Rafael Nadal announced his retirement from tennis on Thursday, effective at the end of the season. His planned farewell is the Davis Cup Finals with Spain, set for November 19-24 at home in Malaga.
The 38-year-old posted a video on social media.
“I’m here to let you know that I am retiring from professional tennis,” he stated. “The reality is that it has been some difficult years, these two especially. I don’t think I have been able to play without limitations. It is obviously a difficult decision, one that takes me some time to make.
“But in this life, everything has a beginning and an end. And I think it’s an appropriate time to put an end to a career that has been long and much more successful than I could have ever imagined.
“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. I feel super, super lucky for all the things I’ve been able to experience. I want to thank the entire tennis industry.”
“I feel super lucky for all the things I’ve been able to experience. I want to thank the entire tennis industry, all the people involved in this sport, my longtime colleagues, especially my great rivals. I’ve spent many, many hours with them, and I’ve lived many moments that I’ll remember for the rest of my life. Talking about my team is a little bit more difficult for me, because in the end, my team has been a very important part of my life. They’re not just co-workers. They are friends.
“And finally, you the fans–I can’t thank you enough for what you’ve made me feel. You give me the energy I’ve needed every moment, really.
“Everything I have experienced has been a dream come true. I leave with the absolute peace of mind of having given my best, of having made an effort in every way I can only end by saying, a thousand thanks to you all. See you soon.”
Nadal will finish his career with 22 Grand Slam titles, including 14 at the French Open. He also won two Olympic gold medals, one in singles (Beijing 2008) and one in doubles (Rio de Janeiro 2016 with Marc Lopez). He is a four-time Davis Cup champion.
Sad although inevitable day for we Rafa fans. But also a day of joy and gratitude remembering all his extraordinary achievements and everything he has given us. Those achievements are all the more extraordinary given his history of injuries most especially the congenital foot condition.
Thank you dear Rafa.
22 slams and 14 RG titles is an incredible legacy.
Someone one day may exceed 24 slams but it’s very very difficult to see anyone matching 14 slams at a single event let alone surpassing it.
Thank you for so many memories Champ. Long live the King!
Unforgettable champion, a legend, a major player in one of the greatest eras in modern tennis.
Wishing him all the best.
Thank you Rafa for giving me so much joy and happiness while watching you played tennis, for the past nineteen years or so. You will always be my favourite athlete, sportsman and tennis player, a wonderful and humble human being.
I wish Rafa all the best in his life and in all his future endeavours!
Lol I don’t what’s making me feel more emotional, Rafas retirement or all the messages, anyway thanks for the memories Rafa, and been the amazing player you are, Vamos Rafa 1️⃣👌😊🤗
Amy yes we’ll said, and unlikely to see 14 GS at any 1 GS will ever be surpassed, in my lifetime lol