Photo: AFP
Rafael Nadal revealed on Thursday that he will step down from professional tennis after the Davis Cup finals in November. During his career, Nadal won 22 Grand Slam titles and an Olympic gold medal in singles.
"I am retiring from professional tennis. The reality is that it has been some difficult years, these last two especially," Nadal said in a video posted from his account on Instagram.
Nadal, the 2008 and 2010 Wimbledon champion, has had a difficult time over the years due to a number of injuries, the New Indian Express reported.
"The reality is that it has been some difficult years, the last two especially. I don't think I have been able to play without limitations."
"It is obviously a difficult decision, one that has taken me some time to make. But in this life everything has a beginning and an end.”
He won 92 career titles including two each at Wimbledon and the Australian Open, four at the US Open, and 14 at the French Open. He competed in the men's doubles quarterfinals at the last Olympics in Paris, where he was defeated by Novak Djokovic in the second round of singles. Same as last month, Nadal pulled out of the US Open. In 2024, he was absent from three out of four Grand Slam events.
Reacting to the news, pro tennis players reacted on social media. In the wake of Rafael Nadal's announcement of his retirement from tennis, Roger Federer said he "hoped this day would never come.”
"What a career, Rafa! Thank you for the unforgettable memories and all your incredible achievements in the game we love. It's been an absolute honour," Federer commented on Nadal's post.
Nick Kyrgios, who famously clashed with Nadal several times, wrote on X, "We had our differences but you were one hell of a warrior. Best wishes and good luck with whatever comes next."
In another post, Kyrgios wrote, "Rafa don’t retire I wanna play you 1 last time.”