Rafael Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam champion, is set to retire from professional tennis after the upcoming Davis Cup Finals, marking the end of his remarkable career that has been marred by injuries.
The legendary player, who claimed a record 14 French Open titles during his distinguished 23-year journey, had indicated earlier this year that he would likely retire following a hip injury that necessitated surgery and severely limited his participation in 2023.
At 38, Nadal’s selection for the Davis Cup Final 8 in Malaga from November 19-24 is notable, given that he last competed at the Paris Olympics in July and sat out the US Open and Laver Cup due to fitness issues.
“It’s been some difficult years, especially the last two,” Nadal remarked in a social media video. He expressed excitement about his last tournament being the Davis Cup, highlighting the significance of returning to represent his country, recalling his early joy from the final in Sevilla in 2004.
Nadal has faced numerous injuries, suffering the hip issue at the Australian Open in early 2023, which led him to miss the French Open and required surgery. Over the past two seasons, he has participated in only 23 matches.
Although he returned to the court this year, he was eliminated in the first round of the French Open by Alexander Zverev and declined a celebratory farewell, hoping for a final rise in his performance next year. Known as the “King of Clay” with an impressive 112-4 win-loss record at the French Open, his latest triumph at Roland Garros occurred in 2022.
Nadal’s retirement comes two years after his longtime rival, Roger Federer, stepped away from the sport, leaving Novak Djokovic as the last active member of the “Big Three.” Federer took to social media to pay tribute, expressing his wish that Nadal’s retirement would never arrive and celebrating his teammate’s incredible career and accomplishments.
Thanking his family and team, Nadal particularly acknowledged his uncle Toni, who coached him for much of his career. He expressed gratitude to his fans, stating, “I can’t thank you enough for what you have made me feel. Everything I have experienced has been a dream come true,” adding that he leaves the sport with peace of mind, knowing he gave it his all.
Nadal is expected to receive heartfelt tributes at Roland Garros next year, as well as a homage to his career during the Davis Cup on home soil.