Rafael Nadal retiring from professional tennis
FILE - Rafael Nadal of Team Spain celebrates with partner (out of frame) Carlos Alcaraz of Team Spain against Austin Krajicek of Team United States and Rajeev Ram of Team United States during the Mens Doubles Quarter-final match on day five of the Ol
Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal announced on Thursday he will retire from professional tennis after he represents his country in the Davis Cup next month.
Nadal, 38, is arguably one of the greatest tennis players to ever play the sport – possibly only matched by two of the all-time greats that played in his era in Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.
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Nadal won 22 Grand Slam titles during his illustrious career and two gold medals – one in singles competition and the other in doubles.
"Hello everyone, I’m here to let you know I am retiring from professional tennis," Nadal said in a video posted to his X account.
Nadal said the last two years of his career have been the most difficult as he’s dealt with numerous injuries that have kept him sidelined from Grand Slams. He lamented not being able to play the sport he’s dominated for years without limitations.
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"It is obviously a difficult decision, one that has taken me some time to make," he said. "But, in this life, everything has a beginning and an end. And I think it’s the appropriate time to put an end to a career that has been long and much more successful than I could have ever imagined."
Nadal has won the French Open 14 times, the U.S. Open four times and twice at the Australian Open and Wimbledon respectively. He racked up the gold medals in 2008 in Beijing and 2016 at Rio de Janeiro.
He’s been on four Davis Cup-winning teams in his career and he’s hoping to go out on top.
"I am very excited that my last tournament will be the final of the Davis Cup and representing my country. I think I’ve come full circle since one of my first great joys as a professional tennis player was the Davis Cup final in Sevilla in 2004.
Nadal thanked his supporters, colleagues and rivals who he’s been with over the last 20 years.
"I leave with absolute peace of mind of having given my best of having made an effort in every way," he added.
"I can only end by saying a thousand thanks to all and see you soon."