Rafael Nadal announces retirement from professional tennis
ITV News Reporter Geraint Vincent discusses Nadal's legacy over the past 23 years
Rafael Nadal has announced he is set to retire from professional tennis at the end of this season.
The 38-year-old Spaniard, who has won 22 Grand Slam titles, revealed the news in a video posted on X.
He also announced that his final match will be for Spain at the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga next month.
“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,” he said.
“But, 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 Seville in 2004.”
Nadal has won the French Open a record 14 times and is also a two-time Wimbledon champion and four-time US Open winner.
However, he has struggled with various injuries in recent years.
He added: “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.”
Nadal's journey to becoming Spain's tennis legend was hard-fought as he regularly competed against rivals such as Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray.
He was visibly emotional when Federer, whom he played against 40 times, retired at the Laver Cup in 2022.
“I want to thank the entire tennis industry, all the people involved in this sport, my long-time colleagues, especially my great rivals," he said.
“I have spent many hours with them and have lived many moments that I will remember for the rest of my life.”
Reactions from rivals and admirers
Novak Djokovic took to social media platform X to express his admiration for Nadal.
"Rafa, one post is not enough to express the respect I have for you and what you have done for our sport," he wrote.
"Your legacy will live forever. Only you know what you had to endure to become icon of tennis and sport in general."
Federer has also paid tribute to Nadal on Instagram.
"What a career, Rafa! I always hoped this day would never come,” the Swiss 20-time grand slam winner wrote.
“Thank you for the unforgettable memories and all your incredible achievements in the game we love. It’s been an absolute honour.”
Former Real Madrid player, Cristiano Ronaldo, said Nadal's "dedication and passion" has inspired millions around the world.
He said: "It has been an honour to witness your journey and to be able to call you a friend. Congrats on an amazing career! Enjoy your retirement!"
Current world number one Jannik Sinner, speaking at the Shanghai Masters, said: “Well, it’s tough news for all the tennis world, and not only tennis world.
“I was very lucky to get to know him and he’s an unbelievable person. Of course we all saw how good he has been as a player, and the lessons he taught us, the young players, how to behave on the court, how to handle situations on the court, tough situations. And also to stay humble.”
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