Worn-down Rafael Nadal to draw curtain on stellar career
Sign up now: Get the biggest sports news in your inbox
Rafael Nadal said it has been some difficult years, these last two especially.
PHOTO: AFP
BARCELONA - Spain’s Rafael Nadal, who won 22 Grand Slam singles titles, said on Oct 10 he was putting an end to his professional tennis career, a decision effective after the Davis Cup final after a professional journey that made him one of the greatest players in tennis.
“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 4min 45sec video.
“I don’t think I have been able to play without limitations.
He added that he had taken some time to make the decision, but “in this life, everything has a beginning and an end”.
The former world No. 1, who won the French Open 14 times, said his career has been long and “much more successful that I could have ever imagined”.
“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,” he added.
The Davis Cup knockout phase will be played from Nov 19 to Nov 24.
Nadal’s career has been hampered by injuries and he missed the 2023 French Open and was beaten in the first round by German Alexander Zverev in 2024.
He won his last Roland Garros title in 2022
Nadal played only 23 matches in the last two seasons.
He will hang up his racket two years after his great rival Roger Federer, leaving 24-time major winner Novak Djokovic of Serbia as the only member of the ‘Big Three’ still active.
Earlier on Oct 10, Nadal’s rival in the youngsters’ ranks, Frenchman Richard Gasquet, said he would end his career after the French Open in 2025.
Nadal thanked his family and his team for his stellar career, with a special word for his uncle Toni, who was his coach for most of his time on court.
“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 after his French Open first-round loss in 2024, Nadal said he would be back and he is now expected to receive what promises to be an emotional tribute at Roland Garros in 2025. REUTERS
