Rafael Nadal has announced his retirement from professional tennis, effective after the Davis Cup finals in November.
In a video message, Nadal explained that the past two years have been difficult due to injuries, and he feels it's time to put an end to his illustrious career ¹.
Nadal's impressive record includes 22 Grand Slam titles, 14 of which he won at the French Open. He dominated the tournament, losing only three times in 115 matches. He also won four US Open titles, two Australian Open titles, and two Wimbledon titles. His iconic five-set victory over Roger Federer in the 2008 Wimbledon championship is widely regarded as one of the greatest Slam finals ever played.
Throughout his career, Nadal has been plagued by injuries, including ankle, wrist, knee, elbow, and abdominal problems. These injuries forced him to sit out 16 Grand Slam tournaments and withdraw mid-event on five occasions. Despite these challenges, Nadal remained a force to be reckoned with, winning at least one title every year between 2004 and 2022.
Nadal's retirement marks the end of an era, following in the footsteps of his rival and friend, Roger Federer, who retired last year.
Federer paid tribute to Nadal, saying, "What a career, Rafa! I always hoped this day would never come… Thank you for the unforgettable memories and all your incredible achievements in the game we love. It's been an absolute honor."
