Rafael Nadal, one of the greatest Tennis players of all time confirmed his retirement from the sport on Thursday (October 10) after an incredible career lasting 22 years at the top level which saw him become the second most decorated player in Tennis history.
Nadal won 22 Grand Slams in his career and briefly held the record for being the men's singles player with most major titles. He ends his career second on the list only behind Novak Djokovic (24) and above Roger Federer (20) in the elite list.
Djokovic won the French Open 14 times in his career which remains the record for the most times an individual has not just won at Roland Garros but also any Grand Slam title.
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When Will Rafael Nadal Play His Farewell Match?
The 2024 Davis Cup finals in Malaga will be the final professional appearance of Nadal's career in which he will play for Spain. The tournament will take place from November 19 to 24. Spain are set to face Netherlands in the quarter-final. They will go head-to-head against the winner of the Germany-Canada clash in the semi-final. This also means Nadal will play the final match of his career at home in Spain.
Also Read:22 Grand Slams, Multiple Worlds Records, 2 Olympic Golds And More: Rafael Nadal’s Legendary Career In Numbers
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Rafael Nadal's Retirement Announcement
“Hello everyone, I’m here to let you know that I am retiring from professional tennis. 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, 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," said Nadal in a video statement posted on his social media handles.
“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.
“I feel super, super lucky for all the things I’ve been able to experience. I want to thank the entire tennis industry, all the people involved in this sport: my long-time colleagues, especially my great rivals. I have spent many, many hours with them, and I have lived many moments that I will remember for the rest of my life," Nadal added.
Nadal has struggled with injuries over the last two years and missed most of the 2023 campaign due to injury. This year, the 38-year-old missed the Australian Open, Wimbledon, and US Open while facing a first-round exit in the French Open. He crashed out of the Olympics in the third round after a defeat to Djokovic in the singles. He faced a quarter-final defeat in the doubles event.
The Spaniard also won four US Opens in his career, alongside two Wimbledon and Australian Open titles each.