Ganesh Kendale
Spain’s tennis legend Rafael Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam singles champion, announced on Thursday that he will retire from professional tennis at the conclusion of the season, effective after the Davis Cup final.
In a heartfelt video message, the 38-year-old reflected on his career and the challenges he faced in recent years. “It has been some difficult years, these last two especially,” Nadal said.
“I am very excited that my last tournament will be the Davis Cup representing my country. It’s closing the circle because one of my first joys was the final in Sevilla in 2004,” he added.
Known for his unparalleled dominance at the French Open, where he claimed a record 14 titles, Nadal’s retirement marks the end of an era in tennis, leaving fans and the sport to bid farewell to one of its greatest champions.
He won his last Roland Garros title in 2022 and left the Paris clay on a jaw-dropping 112-4 win-loss record.
Nadal’s career has been hampered by injuries in recent years and he missed the 2023 French Open and was beaten in the first round by German Alexander Zverev this year.
Nadal, often referred to as the “King of Clay,” is celebrated as one of the most tenacious and versatile players in tennis history.
The Davis Cup knockout phase will be played from November 19-24.
