New Delhi
Tennis legend Rafael Nadal has officially confirmed his retirement from professional tennis on Thursday, announcing that he will hang up his racquet at the end of the 2024 season. In a video message released on social media, the 38-year-old Spaniard, a 22-time Grand Slam champion, stated, “I am retiring from professional tennis. It has been a difficult few years, especially the last two, as I haven’t been able to play without limitations.”
Nadal, who ranks as the second-most successful men’s singles player in history behind Novak Djokovic, expressed that this decision took time to make. “In life, everything has a beginning and an end, and it’s the right time to conclude a career that has exceeded my expectations,” he said.
His final professional appearance will be at the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga from November 19-24, a fitting conclusion as he recalls his first major joy at the 2004 Davis Cup final in Seville.
With 92 tour-level titles and 209 weeks at No. 1 in the ATP Rankings, Nadal’s legacy includes a record 14 French Open titles, four US Open crowns, and Olympic gold medals in both singles and doubles. He has also contributed to Spain’s five Davis Cup victories.
