Rafael Nadal has announced his intention to retire from professional tennis in a shock announcement on Thursday morning.
The Spanish tennis icon is considered one of the greatest to ever play the game – and by some the best of all – but has shocked fans by confirming that he will soon be hanging up his racket for good.
Nadal, now 38, posted an emotional video on his social media account announcing the decision, reflecting on a career that was ‘longer and more successful then I could ever have imagined’.
The 38-year-old Spaniard, who won 22 grand slam titles including 14 at the French Open, revealed the news in a video message posted on X.
He said: ‘Hello everyone. I’m here to let you know that I am retiring from professional tennis.’
Rafael Nadal has announced his intention to retire from tennis, bringing an end to a storied career in tennis
Nadal represented Spain at the Olympics in Paris on the court that has seen him enjoy so much glory
He first erupted onto the scene with a stunning French Open title at 19 in 2005 – his first attempt
Nadal has struggled with fitness and physical issues over the past two years, despite still competing at some of the sport’s more prestigious competitions, as he touched on in his heartfelt message, admitting it has been hard to play ‘without limitations’.
The tennis icon erupted onto the scene with a stunning French Open win at just 19 in 2005 at his first attempt, beating Roger Federer in the semis along the way – one of only four to beat the great Swiss that year.
He would later follow it up with another 13 titles at Roland Garros, with nine coming in his first 10 attempts, becoming one of the most dominant athletes in any sport in one specific event.
Yet, 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 final foray onto the court as a professional tennis player.
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