Rafael Nadal shared an emotional video on social media on October 10, announcing his retirement from professional tennis.
In the approximately five-minute video, recorded in Spanish, one of the most legendary tennis players of all time reflected on his career and prepared fans for his departure.
“The reality is that the last two years in particular have been difficult,” he said. “I don’t think I could have played without restrictions. It was obviously a difficult decision and took some time to make. But in this life, everything has a beginning and an end.”
“And I think it’s the right time to end a career that has been longer and much more successful than I ever imagined,” Nadal continued.
Mil Gracias a Todos
thank you everyone
Merci Beaucoup a Tous
Grazie Mille a Tutti
landlord
और देखें
और देखें
Obrigado and Todos
Vielen Dunk Juhi Allen
Tak Ara
Хвала свима
Gracie’s a Tots pic.twitter.com/7yPRs7QrOi— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) October 10, 2024
PARIS, FRANCE – MAY 20: Spain’s Rafael Nadal in action during a training session at Roland Garros on May 20, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Franco Arlando/Getty Images)
The 38-year-old champion won his first Grand Slam as a teenager, winning the French Open two days after turning 19 in 2005. He went on to set a record by winning the tournament 14 times during his career. The next highest number of French Open wins is eight, achieved by tennis player Max Dekugis in the early 1900s. Nadal last won the French Open in 2022.
Nadal has won the Australian Open twice and the US Open four times. He also won Wimbledon in 2008 and 2010.
Nadal told fans he will officially hang up his racket after competing in the Davis Cup in Malaga, Spain, in November. He told fans how much that last game meant to him.
PARIS, FRANCE – JULY 24: Rafael Nadal of Spain’s national team plays a backhand during a tennis practice session ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics at Roland Garros on July 24, 2024 in Paris, France. . (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
“One of my first great joys as a professional tennis player was the Davis Cup final in Sevilla in 2004, so I think I’ve come full circle,” Nadal said as footage of him winning the title occupied the screen.
The tennis star was visibly emotional, saying: “I feel very, very lucky for everything I’ve been through.”
“I have lived many moments that I will never forget,” Nadal continued.
BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA – DECEMBER 31: Rafael Nadal of Spain looks on during the first day training session of the 2024 Brisbane International at the Queensland Tennis Center on December 31, 2023 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
While Nadal thanked his team for their support and credited his wife of 19 years, a more personal side of his life was shown as footage of his young son was shown on the screen.
The video included excerpts and highlights from his career, as well as a loving farewell to his loyal fans.
“I can’t thank you enough for the way you made me feel. You gave me the energy I needed in every moment,” she wrote while addressing her fan base. he said. “Really, everything I’ve experienced has been a dream come true.”
Nadal has faced a number of challenges and injuries in recent months, which forced him to withdraw from the 2024 US Open in August. (Related: Former NBA MVP Derrick Rose announces retirement)
“I leave here with an absolute sense of security that I gave my all and tried in every way,” Nadal said at the end of the match.
