Tennis great Rafael Nadal retires after November’s Davis Cup final | Tennis news

Iconic Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal has announced his retirement at the age of 38 after next month’s Davis Cup final.

“I’m quitting professional tennis. The reality is that it has been a difficult few years, especially these last two,” Nadal, who has won 22 Grand Slam titles, said in a video posted on social media on Thursday.

“I am very excited that my last tournament will be the Davis Cup representing my country,” the 38-year-old, who has won a record 14 French Open titles, added in the emotional message.

“It comes full circle because one of my first joys was the final in Seville in 2004.”

The knockout phase of the Davis Cup will be played from November 19 to 24.

Nadal’s 23-year career has been hampered by injuries and he missed the 2023 French Open, being beaten in the first round by German Alexander Zverev this year.

He won his last Roland Garros title in 2022 and left the Paris clay circuit with a breathtaking 112-4 win-loss record.

One last dance 💚

Rafael Nadal will retire after playing the Final 8 in Malaga in November.#DavisCup pic.twitter.com/75FdqOBWDc

— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) October 10, 2024