Rafael Nadal announces his retirement from professional tennis

Rafael Nadal will retire after Spain’s Davis Cup Finals in Malaga in November; The 38-year-old won 22 Grand Slams, including 14 French Open titles
Rafael Nadal, the legendary Spanish tennis player, has announced his retirement from professional tennis in a video posted on X (formerly Twitter). The 38-year-old, who has won 22 Grand Slam titles, including a record 14 French Open titles, stated that his final event will be the Davis Cup next month in Malaga, where he will represent Spain.
In his emotional message, Nadal reflected on the difficulties of the last few years, which have been plagued by injuries. Despite these challenges, he expressed gratitude for his extraordinary career, which he said exceeded his wildest dreams.
Nadal’s dominance on the clay courts, particularly at Roland Garros, is widely regarded as one of the most remarkable achievements in tennis history. His fierce rivalries with Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray defined an era in the sport, during which the four players captivated tennis fans around the world.
The tennis world has been quick to pay tribute to Nadal. Federer, a 20-time Grand Slam winner, expressed his admiration on Instagram, writing, “What a career, Rafa! I always hoped this day would never come.” Cristiano Ronaldo also congratulated Nadal, highlighting his “dedication, passion, and incredible talent.” Current world No. 1 Jannik Sinner and former player Feliciano Lopez both praised Nadal’s mental toughness, resilience, and legacy.
Nadal, who hasn’t played since the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he lost to Djokovic, expressed his excitement to close his career at the Davis Cup, where he first achieved major success 20 years ago. Reflecting on his journey, Nadal thanked his team and fans, saying, “I leave with the absolute peace of mind of having given my best.”
His legacy as one of the greatest tennis players of all time is cemented, with his achievements on the court likely to remain unmatched for generations to come.