Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal has announced his retirement from the sport, effective after the Davis Cup finals in November, CNN reports.
The 38-year-old, widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, will conclude his illustrious career with Spain at the prestigious tournament.
Nadal, who has been plagued by injuries in recent years, has struggled to maintain his once-dominant form. His last appearance came at the Paris Olympics, and he was forced to skip last month’s Laver Cup due to fitness concerns. While he hinted at a potential retirement last year, confirming that 2024 would likely be his final season, the news of his imminent departure still comes as a blow to fans worldwide.
The Spaniard’s career boasts an impressive list of achievements, including 22 Grand Slam titles, the second-most in men’s tennis history, just behind his longtime rival, Novak Djokovic. Nadal has also amassed 36 Masters 1000 titles, a testament to his consistent excellence across all levels of the sport.
Beyond individual accolades, Nadal has also represented his country with distinction. He won both singles and doubles gold medals at the Olympics and led Spain to five Davis Cup titles, solidifying his status as a national icon.
Nicknamed the “King of Clay” for his unparalleled dominance on the surface, Nadal won a staggering 14 of his 22 Grand Slam titles at the French Open, losing just four of his 116 matches in Paris. He also triumphed at the US Open four times, the Australian Open twice, and Wimbledon twice, cementing his legacy as a truly complete player.
Nadal’s 2008 Wimbledon final victory over Roger Federer is widely considered the greatest tennis match of all time, a display of skill, tenacity, and athleticism that captivated fans and cemented his place among the game’s all-time greats.
