Rafael Nadal
Nadal confirms he’ll retire at finish of 2024 season
Spanish legend will finish professional profession at Davis Cup Finals
October 10, 2024
Martin Bernetti/AFP through Getty Pictures
Rafael Nadal in motion on the 2024 Paris Olympics.
By ATP Employees
Rafael Nadal has introduced he’ll retire on the finish of the 2024 season.
The 38-year-old Spaniard will compete in his ultimate skilled occasion on the Davis Cup Finals, to be held in Malaga from 19-24 November.
“Hiya everybody, I’m right here to let I’m retiring from skilled tennis,” mentioned Nadal in Spanish in a video posted on X. “The truth is it has been some troublesome years, these final two particularly. I don’t assume I’ve been capable of play with out limitations.
“It’s clearly a troublesome choice, one which has taken me a while to make, however on this life, all the pieces has a starting and an finish, and I believe it’s the suitable time to place an finish to a profession that has been lengthy and way more profitable than I may have ever imagined.”
A 92-time tour-level champion who spent 209 weeks at No. 1 within the PIF ATP Rankings, Nadal has been one of many main lights on the ATP Tour since turning professional in 2001. He’s a 22-time Grand Slam titlist, a tally which features a document 14 crowns at Roland Garros.
Thanks for all the pieces Rafa, it’s been nothing wanting unbelievable ♥️#RafaSiempre
— ATP Tour (@atptour) October 10, 2024
Nadal will convey his storied profession to a detailed on dwelling soil in Malaga, the place he will likely be a part of a Spain Davis Cup group that additionally contains Carlos Alcaraz. The host nation performs its quarter-final tie in opposition to the Netherlands on Tuesday, 19 November from 5 p.m. native time (CET).
“I’m very excited that my final event would be the ultimate of the Davis Cup and representing my nation,” mentioned Nadal. “I believe I’ve come full circle since one in all my first nice joys as an expert tennis participant was the Davis Cup ultimate in Sevilla in 2004.
“I really feel tremendous, tremendous fortunate for all of the issues I’ve been capable of expertise.”
Nadal, who has a 12-7 document for 2024 to this point, went on to thank his ATP Tour rivals, his group, and his household (together with his uncle and former coach Toni Nadal). Regardless of his physique hardly ever permitting him to compete at full health throughout the previous two seasons, the Spaniard’s trademark dedication to his sport by no means faltered. He attributed a part of his need to proceed taking part in this lengthy to the arrival of his son, Rafael, whom he shares along with his spouse Maria.
“To come back dwelling and see how my son is rising day by day has been a pressure that has actually saved me alive and with the mandatory power to proceed,” mentioned the Spaniard.
Nadal is massively well-liked with followers all over the world. His heavy-hitting lefty sport, mixed along with his virtually unrivalled need to compete and his function as a part of the ‘Huge 3’ alongside Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, imply he’ll finish his profession as one in all tennis’ largest icons.
“Lastly, you, the followers. I can’t thanks sufficient for what you have got made me really feel,” mentioned Nadal on the finish of the video. “You might have given me the power I’ve wanted at each second.
“Actually, all the pieces I’ve skilled has been a dream come true. I go away with absolutely the peace of thoughts of getting given my greatest, of getting made an effort in each manner. I can solely finish by saying a thousand due to all and see you quickly.”