RAFAEL NADAL: World’s ‘King Of Clay’ Hangs His Racket After A Stellar Tennis Career
Spain’s Rafa Nadal, who has won 22 Grand Slam singles titles, announced on Thursday that he is retiring.
The decision will take effect following the Davis Cup final, capping off a professional career that has seen him become one of tennis’ greatest players.
“It has been some difficult years, these last two especially,” the 38-year-old, who won a record 14 French Open titles, said in a video.
“I am very excited that my last tournament will be the Davis Cup representing my country. It’s closing the circle because one of my first joys was the final in Sevilla in 2004.”
Nadal’s career has been hampered by injuries; he missed the 2023 French Open and was knocked out in the first round by German Alexander Zverev this year.
Mil gracias a todos
— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) October 10, 2024
Many thanks to all
Merci beaucoup à tous
Grazie mille à tutti
谢谢大家
شكرا لكم جميعا
תודה לכולכם
Obrigado a todos
Vielen Dank euch allen
Tack alla
Хвала свима
Gràcies a tots pic.twitter.com/7yPRs7QrOi
The ‘King of Clay’ won his final Roland Garros title in 2022, leaving Paris with a staggering 112-4 win-loss record.
Nadal has only played 23 matches in the last two seasons.
He will retire two years after his great rival Roger Federer, leaving Serbia’s 24-time major winner Novak Djokovic as the only ‘Big Three’ member still active.
Earlier on Thursday, Nadal’s younger rival, Frenchman Richard Gasquet, announced his retirement after next year’s French Open.
Nadal thanked his family and teammates for his successful career, with a special mention for his uncle Toni, who was his coach for the majority of his time on the court.
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“I believe that thanks to him, I have also been able to overcome many situations that have been difficult in my sporting career,” he said.
To his fans, Nadal said: “I can’t thank you enough for what you have made me feel. Everything I have experienced has been a dream come true.”
“I leave with the absolute peace of mind having given my best,” he added.
After refusing any special event following his first-round loss at the French Open this year, Nadal stated that he would return, and he is now expected to receive an emotional tribute at Roland Garros next year.
RAFAEL NADAL: World’s ‘King Of Clay’ Hangs His Racket After A Stellar Tennis Career
