Rafael Nadal, one of the greatest tennis players in history, has announced his retirement from the sport in an emotional video. The 22-time Grand Slam champion bid farewell to the game that solidified his status as one of the most beloved athletes of all time.
Last month, Nadal withdrew from the Laver Cup 2024, which was set to be his final professional event. He had previously confirmed that the Laver Cup would follow the Paris 2024 Olympics as his next appearance, but his recent withdrawal raised concerns about his future in the sport.
Nadal’s participation in the Laver Cup would have marked his fourth appearance in the tournament, having previously competed in Prague in 2017, Geneva in 2019, and alongside his longtime rival Roger Federer during Federer’s farewell match in London in 2022. He had hinted that 2024 might be his last year on tour.
This season, Nadal holds a 12-7 match record and last competed at the Paris Olympics, where he was defeated in the second round by Novak Djokovic. He also withdrew from the US Open, missing three of the four Grand Slam events in 2024, prompting speculation about his longevity in the sport.
Known as the ‘King of Clay,’ Nadal’s dominance on the surface has been unparalleled. He has faced some of the world’s finest players, including a recent match against Djokovic at the iconic Roland Garros Stadium during the 2024 Olympics.
As he steps away from the court, Nadal leaves behind a remarkable legacy that has inspired countless fans and future athletes.
