Nadal announces end of legendary career

Rafael Nadal announced his impending retirement on Thursday, stating that next month’s Davis Cup final will be his final event.

“Hello everyone, I am here to let you know that I am retiring from professional tennis,” Nadal said in Spanish in a video posted on social media. “The reality is that it has been a difficult few years, especially the last two. I don’t think I was able to play without limitations.

“It’s obviously a difficult decision, which took me some time, but in this life everything has a beginning and an end, and I think this is the right time to end a career that has been long and more successful than I could ever have imagined.”

(ATP APP)

The Spanish icon held the top spot in the PIF ATP Rankings for 209 weeks, sixth since the rankings’ inception in 1973. Nadal earned the ATP year-end No. 1, presented by PIF honors, five times.

ATP President Andrea Gaudenzi said: “Rafa’s impact on tennis is immeasurable. For more than twenty years, he brought unparalleled tenacity and grit to every match. His fierce competitive spirit and iconic rivalry during one of the sport’s greatest eras captivated fans around the world. He took the game to the next level and inspired millions to pick up a racket.

“Rafa’s achievements are nothing short of historic: he has won everything. In particular, his record at Roland-Garros will probably never be surpassed. But what stands out most is his character. Humble, authentic and always friendly, he earns the deep respect of players, fans and everyone involved in tennis. His multiple sportsmanship awards reflect the class he has shown throughout his career, both on and off the field.

Thanks Rafa, #RafaSiempre ❤️ pic.twitter.com/m7NXorFaNx

— ATP tour (@atptour) October 10, 2024

Nadal served on the ATP Player Advisory Council from 2010-12 and 2019-22. The Spaniard has touched countless lives through his Rafa Nadal Foundation, which received this year’s Laureus Sport For Good Award.

Gaudenzi added: “Rafa’s contributions also extended beyond the court. His work over many years on the ATP Player Advisory Council has contributed to the sport and its future. As we look forward to his farewell at the Davis Cup, we know his legacy will live on for generations to come. Rafa, thank you for everything – you will be greatly missed on the Tour.”

The 38-year-old became the first men’s player in history to complete the Grand Slam career twice, winning a total of 22 major championships, behind only Novak Djokovic (24). The Spaniard has won two Australian Open crowns, fourteen Roland-Garros trophies, two Wimbledon titles and four US Open victories.

His fourteen Coupe des Mousquetaires alone earned him more major titles than all but three men (Djokovic, Roger Federer and Pete Sampras) in history. The Spaniard posted a 112-4 record on clay, one of the most dominant efforts in all of the sport.

Nadal holds many records, including the most clay court titles in the Open Era (63). He captured an ATP Tour title in 19 consecutive seasons from 2004-2022 and maintained a Top 10 PIF ATP ranking for 912 consecutive weeks from April 25, 2005 through March 19, 2023.

The 92-time title holder has amassed 1,080 tour-level victories during his illustrious career, the fourth-most victories ever behind only Jimmy Connors (1,274), Roger Federer (1,251) and Djokovic (1,122).

The Mallorcan qualified for the Nitto ATP Finals seventeen times and earned his place at the season finals every year from 2005 to 2020, as well as in 2022.

The southpaw excelled at ATP Masters 1000 events, claiming 36 titles at the elite level. His 410 Masters 1000 wins are the most in the history of the series (since 1990).

Nadal is the winner of 15 ATP Tour Awards: ATP Year-End No. 1 presented by PIF (2008, ’10, ’13, ’17, ’19), the Arthur Ashe Humanitarian Award (2011), Comeback Player of the Year (2013), Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship (2010, ’18-21), Most Improved Player of the Year (2005), Newcomer of the Year (2003) and Fans’ Favorite (2022). He is also a two-time Laureus World Sportsman of the Year (2011 and 2021). The southpaw claimed Laureus’ World Breakthrough of the Year in 2006 and Comeback of the Year in 2014.

He won two Olympic gold medals, achieving singles glory in Beijing in 2008 and doubles gold in Rio de Janeiro in 2016 with Marc Lopez.

The Spaniard first rose to the top of the sport at the age of 22, reaching world number 1 on August 18, 2008. He once held the top spot for 56 consecutive weeks (June 7, 2010 – July 3, 2011) and was most recently world No. 1. 1 in February 2020.

“Really, everything I’ve experienced has been a dream come true,” Nadal said. “I leave with absolute peace of mind that I did my best, that I did my best in every way possible. I can only end with a thousand thanks to everyone and goodbye.”

(NEWSLETTER FORM)