He Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadalconsidered one of the greatest in history, announced his retirement from professional tennis last Thursday, thus closing a career of 23 years who left an indelible mark on the sport.
Born in Manacor on June 3, 1986, Nadal debuted at 15 years old and, since then, he stood out for his solid baseline game, his incredible physical resistance and a left foot that is difficult to decipher.
With 22 Grand Slam titles, including 14 Roland Garros that establish him as the player with the most victories in the same Major, his legacy as the “King of clay” remains for posterity.
The announcement of his retirement, however, includes an exception: Nadal will participate in a friendly match next week and in the Davis Cup Finals in Novemberwhich will be held in Malaga, Spain. An ideal setting for “last dance” of ‘La Fiera’.
The moments that marked Rafael Nadal’s 23-year career
While waiting for his last official match in November defending Spain, we review some of the most important milestones of his career.
His first Davis Cup (2004): At just 18 years old, Nadal became the youngest Spaniard to lift the “Salad Bowl.” His performance was key in the final, providing the second point for Spain by beating the American Andy Roddick 6-7(6), 6-2, 7-6(6) and 6-2.
His first Roland Garros (2005): At just 19 years old, Nadal won his first Grand Slam in Paris. In the semifinals he defeated Roger Federer, his greatest rival in the following years, and in the final he beat the Argentine Mariano Puerta 6-7(8), 6-3, 6-1 and 7-5. It was the first time that “La Fiera” roared on the Parisian clay.
Wimbledon 2008: “the best match in history”: After losing in the 2006 and 2007 finals, Nadal finally beat Federer in an epic five-set battle in the cathedral of tennis. Duel considered by many to be the best match in the history of tennis. The score was 6-4, 6-4, 6-7(5), 6-7(8) and 9-7.
Beijing 2008 Olympic Games: In an almost unbeatable season, Nadal reached the Olympic Games after winning Roland Garros and Wimbledon, and establishing himself as number one in the world.
In the Olympic final he won to the Chilean Fernando González in straight sets, adding gold to his record.
Australian Open 2009: Nadal began the year as number one and beat Federer in another memorable final this time in Melbourne, won in five sets (7-5, 3-6, 7-6(3), 3-6 and 6-2), after almost four and a half hours of gameplay.
US Open 2010: Grand Slam career: Rafael Nadal completed his Grand Slam career by winning his first US Open, after a dominant season. In the final he beat Novak Djokovic 6-4, 5-7, 6-4 and 6-2.
Tenth Roland Garros (2017): After difficult years, Nadal resurfaced in 2017 and won his tenth Roland Garros, consolidating his dominance on clay and recovering the level he had lost in the 2015 and 2016 seasons.
The “Melbourne Miracle” (2022): After foot surgery and after posting a photo on crutches in 2021, Nadal staged a historic comeback in the 2022 Australian Open final.
He lost 0-2 in sets against Daniil Medvedev, but managed to reverse the result in an epic match of five hours and 24 minutes, winning 2-6, 6-7(5), 6-4, 6-4 and 7-5.
Roland Garros on crutches (2022): Despite infiltrations due to a foot injury, Nadal won his 14th Roland Garros, beating rivals such as Djokovic and Casper Ruud. Curiously, the day after the final, Ruud saw Nadal on crutches.
His farewell season (2024): Injuries in recent years made his retirement inevitable. Nadal said goodbye to the public in Barcelona and Madrid, and although he had an early exit in Rome, his last tournaments at Roland Garros and the Olympic Games left their mark.
In November, the Davis Cup Finals will mark the end of one of the sport’s most legendary careers.
