Rafael Nadalone of the greatest tennis players of all time, announced his definitive retirement from professional tennis. Through an emotional video on his social networks, the 38-year-old Spaniard revealed that his last participation will be in the Davis Cup 2024.
The career of the “King of Clay” has been one of the best, in which achieved 22 Grand Slam titles. The decision, according to him, was difficult but inevitable, given the series of injuries that have affected him in recent years.
The news has shaken the world of sport, putting an end to a golden era in which Nadal, along with Roger Federer and Novak Djokovicmarked one of the most notable rivalries in tennis history. With Federer already retired and Nadal about to leave the courts, only Djokovic remains active from this trio of giants who defined an unforgettable era of the sport.
Djokovic, Nadal and Federe at a press conference. / Matthew Stockman
“I have not been able to play without limitations”
Nadal confessed that the last two years have been especially hard due to injuries that prevented him from playing at his highest level. Despite his combative nature and having struggled to recover on multiple occasions, The Spanish tennis player’s body finally said ‘enough’.
However, he stressed that he still has one last tournament left in his career: the Davis Cup, a competition that represents a symbolic closure for him, since one of his first great achievements was also in this tournamentin 2004.
The manacorí highlighted that He is very excited to represent his country for the last time in the Davis Cup, a tournament that has always meant a lot to him. With this participation, he will close a career in which he not only stood out as an exceptional player, but also as a competitor who took tennis to new levels of excellence and passion.
Davis Cup. / Clive Brunskill
“Thank you all so much and see you soon”
Rafael Nadal won a record 14 titles at Roland Garros that to this day no one has been able to match it, man or woman, in the history of the Grand Slam. His relentless style of play, based on intensity and fight at every point, made him one of the most admired athletes for his dedication on the court.
Nadal’s announcement also puts into perspective the magnitude of his success and the longevity of his career, which has been much more successful than he himself would have imagined.
World tennis and especially Nadal fans are preparing to say goodbye to one of the greatest competitors this sport has ever seen.
