Rafael Nadal has introduced he’ll retire from skilled tennis.
The 38-year-old Spaniard, who received 22 grand slam titles together with 14 on the French Open, revealed the information in a video message posted on X.
“Hi there everybody. I am right here to let you recognize that I’m retiring from skilled tennis,” he stated.
Nadal, the Wimbledon champion in 2008 and 2010, has struggled with varied accidents during the last couple of years.
He added: “The fact is that it has been some tough years, these final two particularly. I do not suppose I’ve been in a position to play with out limitations.
“It’s clearly a tough choice, one which has taken me a while to make.
“However, on this life, every little thing has a starting and an finish.”
Nadal additionally introduced that his closing match will probably be for Spain on the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga subsequent month, in what will probably be a becoming and emotional finish to an illustrious profession.
A teenage Nadal was a part of the Spain workforce who defeated the USA to win the trophy on dwelling soil 20 years in the past.
“I feel it’s the applicable time to place an finish to a profession that has been lengthy and rather more profitable than I might have ever imagined,” he stated.
“However, I’m very excited that my final event would be the closing of the Davis Cup and representing my nation.
“I feel I’ve come full circle since considered one of my first nice joys as knowledgeable tennis participant was the Davis Cup Ultimate in Seville in 2004.”
Nadal’s successes got here throughout a rare interval when he, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and, for some time, Britain’s Andy Murray, dominated the game.
Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal had been rivals within the sport for round 15 years. Supply: AAP, AP / Lionel Cironneau
He was visibly emotional when Federer, whom he performed towards 40 instances, retired on the Laver Cup in 2022.
“I really feel tremendous fortunate for all of the issues I’ve been in a position to expertise,” he added.
“I need to thank your complete tennis business, all of the folks concerned on this sport, my long-time colleagues, particularly my nice rivals.
“I’ve spent many hours with them and have lived many moments that I’ll keep in mind for the remainder of my life.”
Nadal went on to thank his workforce and his followers, earlier than including: “I depart with absolutely the peace of thoughts of getting given my greatest, of getting made an effort in each manner.
“I can solely finish by saying a thousand thanks, and see you quickly.”
