Tennis legend Rafael Nadal announced his retirement on Thursday at the age of 38. The 22-time Grand Slam champion, renowned for his supremacy on Europe’s clay courts and his fierce rivalry with Roger Federer, revealed that he will compete in his final match during the Davis Cup in November.
“It has been some difficult years, these last two especially,” the Spanish star said in a video, referencing the latter, injury-plagued years of his career. “I don’t think I’ve been able to play without limitations.”
Wimbledon, Australian Open
Nadal boasts a record 14 titles from the French Open, and two from both Wimbledon and the Australian Open. His most recent two Slams arrived in 2022, pushing him ahead of Federer for the then-record of 20 Grand Slam titles for a man.
Federer announced his retirement when he was 41 at the end of the 2022 season. Both he and Nadal have since been surpassed in Grand Slams by Novak Djokovic, who reached 24 by winning last year’s U.S. Open.
Nadal expressed his gratitude to his family and team for their support throughout his remarkable career, giving special recognition to his uncle Toni, who served as his coach for the majority of his time on the 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.
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