Rafael Nadal is undoubtedly one of the greatest legends of tennis. A multiple Grand Slam champion, former world number one, and a huge inspiration for the youth. However, the last few years have been very tough for him due to health problems. His last appearance on the court was during the Olympic Games in Paris. It was on the Roland Garros courts, where he had his greatest triumphs, that he hoped to amaze the world once again. However, he couldn’t make it, as he was eliminated in the second round by another genius, Novak Djokovic.
Rafael Nadal has retired from professional tennis. "Thank you all"
The Spaniard has just announced that after 23 years on the professional scene, he is retiring from tennis. "Hi everyone, I’m here to announce that I am retiring from professional tennis. The reality is that these have been difficult years, especially the last two. I was not able to play without limitations" - he explained.
Everything in life has a beginning and an end. This is the right moment to end a career that was longer and much more successful than I could have imagined
- he shared in the video posted on social media. However, as it turns out, fans will still have one last chance to see him on the court.
My last tournament will be the Davis Cup final, where I will represent my country. I think it will be the closure of a chapter, as one of my first great successes as a professional tennis player was the final in Seville in 2004
- he announced. Nadal is proud of everything he has achieved and appreciates all his collaborators with whom he worked on the court.
The 38-year-old also thanked his biggest rivals, without whom he could not have developed.
There are many moments I will remember. I want to thank everyone who contributes to the growth of this sport
- he stated. Finally, the tennis player expressed his gratitude to the fans. "I can’t express enough gratitude for the energy you gave me. Everything I experienced during my career was the fulfillment of my dreams" - he concluded.
Rafael Nadal is ending his career with an impressive record: 14 Roland Garros titles, four US Open titles, two Australian Open titles, and two Wimbledon championships, as well as 36 ATP 1000 victories and two Olympic gold medals (Beijing 2008 and Rio de Janeiro 2016).
The newspaper Sport wonders only one thing: is he the greatest tennis player in history? Of the Big Three, only Novak Djokovic remains active. Two years ago, Roger Federer also announced his retirement.
