A great career comes to an end. End of an era. Thank you and all the best Rafael Nadal

This November will mark the end of an era, as tennis great Rafael Nadal has confirmed he’ll retire after the Davis Cup Finals. The timing, while heartbreaking for the Spaniard fans, could not come at a better time as the event will be held on home soil at Malaga.

The 38-year-old revealed the big news in a short video posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.

“Hello everyone, I am here to let you know I am retiring from professional tennis. 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.”

Nadal has enjoyed a decorated career, winning 22 Grand Slams, including a record 14 crowns at Roland Garros. He is a 92-time tour-level champion who spent 209 weeks at number 1 in the PIF ATP Rankings.

Nadal Retirement Expected
The Davis Cup Finals start on November 19th and end on the 25th. Nadal is part of a solid Spanish team that includes Carlos Alcaraz, and they will face the Netherlands in the Quarterfinal.

Nadal expresses his excitement leading up to the event and confirms he is in great spirits.

“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 Sevilla in 2004… I feel super, super lucky for all the things I’ve been able to experience.”

Fans will find this statement heartwarming as it emphasizes the Spaniard’s winning mentality despite a frustrating 2-year cycle plagued with injuries. He currently has a 12 – 7 record in 2024, an impressive stat despite his continuous struggle to reach full fitness. His undeniable dedication to the sport and sheer will have seen him perform at the top level, surpassing the expectations of many. He mentions that his son’s arrival with Wife Maria is a big inspiration for his resilience.

“To come home and see how my son is growing every day has been a force that has really kept me alive and with the necessary energy to continue”

Nadal Thanks His Family, Team, and the Fans
The 22-time Grand Slam champion now believes it is time to close the curtain on an illustrious career and thanks his ATP tour Rivals, team, family, and fans for the memories and support.

“Finally, you, the fans. I can’t thank you enough for what you have made me feel,” Nadal mentions at the end of the video. “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.”

Since Nadal’s announcement, support and congratulations have continued to pour in. The official ATP Tour X handle also wrote an appreciation post.

“Thank you for everything, Rafa, it’s been nothing short of incredible.”