Rafael Nadal announced his intention to retire from professional tennis in a shocking announcement on Thursday morning.
The Spanish tennis icon is considered one of the greatest players to ever play the game – and some say the best of them all – but has shocked fans by confirming he will soon hang up his racket for good.
Nadal, now 38, posted an emotional video to his social media account announcing the decision, reflecting on a career that was “longer and more successful than I could ever have imagined.”
The 38-year-old Spaniard, who has won 22 Grand Slam titles, including 14 at the French Open, announced the news in a video message on X.
He said, ‘Hello everyone. I am here to let you know that I am retiring from professional tennis.”
Rafael Nadal has announced his intention to retire from tennis, ending a legendary tennis career
Nadal represented Spain at the Paris Olympics on the court that has seen him enjoy so much glory
He first burst onto the scene with a stunning French Open title at the age of 19 in 2005 – his first attempt
Nadal has struggled with fitness and physical issues over the past two years, despite still competing in some of the sport’s more prestigious competitions, as he touched on in his heartfelt message, admitting it was difficult “to compete without limitations ‘ to play.
The tennis icon burst onto the scene with a stunning win at the French Open aged just 19 in 2005 at his first attempt, beating Roger Federer in the semi-finals – one of only four to beat the great Swiss that year.
He would later follow it up with a further 13 titles at Roland Garros, nine of which came in his first 10 attempts, making him one of the most dominant athletes in any sport in one specific event.
But as he reflects in his message, all great things must come to an end, and the final of the upcoming Davis Cup will be Nadal’s last foray onto the court as a professional tennis player.
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