Rafael Nadal announces retirement from professional tennis, Davis Cup to be his last tournament

Spain's Rafael Nadal announced Thursday that he will retire from professional tennis after the Davis Cup final in Malaga in November. The 38-year-old has won 22 Grand Slam titles and an Olympic singles gold in his career.

Announcing his retirement, Nadal took to X and wrote, “Many thanks to all” in 13 languages.

"It has been some difficult years, these last two especially," the tennis great, who has won a record 14 French Open titles, said in a video.

He added, “I am here to let you know I am retiring from professional tennis. 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.”

In the video, the Spaniard indicated his decision was related to persistent injury problems, due to which he missed several tournaments in the past couple of years.

On his retirement, Wimbledon posted a photo of Nadal on X and captioned it, “Forever a champion.”

Bid adieu to Madrid Open

Earlier in May's first week, the tennis legend waved an emotional farewell to fans at the Madrid Open, which he won five times during his 23-year-old career.

He was presented with five banners commemorating the titles he won over ten years between 2008 and 2017 and a special trophy from tournament director Felicano Lopez following his fourth-round match loss to Jiri Lehecka.

Expressing mixed emotions while reflecting on his farewell, Nadal said that a few weeks ago, he didn't know if he would compete in an official match again.

"It's been a very special week for me, very positive in many ways, both personally and for my tennis. I had the chance to play again on the court. A few weeks ago, two days before Barcelona, I didn't know if I would compete in an official match again, and I've now played for two weeks. It's been unforgettable," Nadal said on the court, as quoted by ATP.

“The only thing I can say is 'thank you'. It's been an incredible journey that started when I was little. I came to Madrid for the first time in 2003, when the tournament was played indoors. The first time I came here feeling competitive was in 2005. It was one of the most exciting wins of my career, still indoors. Ever since, the support has been unconditional from everyone. I cannot thank you enough,” he added.

Nadal's injuries

Rafael Nadal has only played 15 matches from January 2023 to May 2024 due to multiple injuries, including a muscle tear. His injuries over the years have caused the Manacor native to miss 12 Grand Slam tournaments in his career.

After announcing he would not play in the 2023 French Open, Nadal mentioned he may retire at the end of 2024. He had cited a series of injuries which were taking a toll on his body.

Though he returned to competitive action in Brisbane in January, his thigh injury sidelined him again, resulting in him missing the Australian Open.

During the European clay-court season, Nadal played four tournaments. After this, he played just two more tournaments, one in Bastad and the Olympic Games at Roland Garros.

He was included in Spain's squad for the September Davis Cup Finals, which are scheduled to take place from November 19 to 24.

(With agency inputs)