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Rafael Nadal announces his retirement from tennis
Former world number one Rafael Nadal has officially announced his retirement from professional tennis, marking the end of a legendary career.
Nadal shared the news on Thursday, October 10, 2024, via his social media accounts, revealing that the upcoming Davis Cup, set to take place from November 19-24, 2024, will be his final tournament.
In an emotional video, the Spanish tennis icon reflected on the challenges he has faced in recent years, explaining that after a storied career, it was the right time for him to step away from the sport. Nadal, known for his incredible determination and resilience, leaves behind a legacy that includes multiple Grand Slam titles and an indelible impact on the tennis world. He said:
“The reality is that 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. I am very excited that my last tournament will be the final of the Davis Cup and representing my country. I think I have come full circle since one of my first great joys as a professional tennis player was the Davis Cup final in Seville in 2004. I think it is the appropriate time to put an end to a career that has been long and much more successful than I could have ever imagined.”
Mil gracias a todos
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— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) October 10, 2024
Rafael Nadal, widely regarded as one of the greatest tennis players in history, won 22 Grand Slam titles, placing him ahead of Roger Federer and just behind Novak Djokovic. An incredible 14 of these titles were claimed at Roland Garros, earning him the title “King of Clay” due to his dominance on the Parisian courts.
Nadal’s illustrious career also includes four US Open championships, along with two titles each at Wimbledon and the Australian Open. In addition to his Grand Slam successes, he achieved Olympic glory, winning both singles and doubles gold, and led Spain to five Davis Cup victories, most recently in 2019.
As he retires from the sport, Nadal’s legacy as one of tennis’ greatest icons is firmly cemented, with his extraordinary achievements on the court and unmatched fighting spirit leaving an enduring impact on the sport.