Nadal Announces Retirement At End Of 2024 Season
The legendary career of one of the greatest tennis players of all-time will come to a close at the end of this year.
Rafael Nadal announced on social media that he will conclude his career at the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga, which runs from November 19-24.
“Hello everyone, I am here to let you know I am retiring from professional tennis,” said Nadal in Spanish in a video posted on X. “The reality is it has been some difficult years, these last two especially. I don’t think I have been able to play without limitations. It is obviously a difficult decision, one that has taken me some time to make, 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.”
The retirement will bring a close to one of the most decorated careers in the sport’s history. The 38-year-old Spaniard is owner of 92 tour-level titles who spent 209 weeks as World No. 1. A 22-time major champion, Nadal won 14 French Open titles, one of the most extraordinary records in all of sports.
His final professional tournament will be on his home soil.
“I am very excited that my last tournament will be the final of the Davis Cup and representing my country,” he added. “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. I feel super, super lucky for all the things I’ve been able to experience.”
Nadal concluded his video saying:
“Finally, you, the fans. I can’t thank you enough for what you have made me feel. You have given me the energy I have needed at every moment. Really, everything I have experienced has been a dream come true. I leave with the absolute peace of mind of having given my best, of having made an effort in every way. I can only end by saying a thousand thanks to all and see you soon.”
