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2 months ago
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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, 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 22-time Grand Slam champion has struggled with injuries over the last few years and, fittingly, his final act on court will be playing for Spain in front of home fans in Malaga in the Davis Cup.
Nadal’s decision to join Roger Federer in retirement will leave Novak Djokovic as the last man standing from the triumvirate who have dominated tennis for two decades.
Rafael Nadal has announced he will 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
Mil gracias a todos
Many thanks to all
Merci beaucoup à tous
Grazie mille à tutti
谢谢大家
شكرا لكم جميعا
תודה לכולכם
Obrigado a todos
Vielen Dank euch allen
Tack alla
Хвала свима
Gràcies a tots pic.twitter.com/7yPRs7QrOi
In a video message, Nadal said: ‘Hello everyone, I’m here to tell you that I am retiring from professional tennis. The reality is that it has been some difficult years, these last two especially. I don’t think I have been able to play with out limitations.
‘It is obviously a difficult decision, one that has taken me a long time to make. But in this life everything has a beginning and an end.
'And I think this is the appropriate time to put an end to a career that has been long and much more successful than I could ever have imagined.
'But I am very exited that my last tournament will be the finals of the Davis Cup an representing my country. I’ve come full circle because one of my first great joys as a tennis player was the Davis Cup final in Seville in 2004.’
The first half of Nadal’s career was defined by his rivalry with close friend Federer; the latter portion by his battles with Djokovic. Of all his records and accolades, the one that will surely never be repeated is his 14 French Open titles.
His most famous match remains the 2008 Wimbledon final, the so-called ‘Triumph at Twilight’ against Federer.
He was a relentless competitor on the court and a flawless ambassador off it. Away from the camera, in the small interactions with support staff at events, he was unfailingly polite and humble and that is the truest measure of the man.
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.
Nadal has played out some of tennis' greatest matches and goes down as one of sport's most successful icons
No player in any sport has enjoyed as much dominance as Nadal has on Paris' clay courts
The Spanish great has had to endure a trying two years in terms of injuries and consistency
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.
By 24 he had won all available grand slam titles - becoming the youngest to ever do so in the process - and has also twice earned Olympic gold for Spain (singles in 2008, doubles in 2016).
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.
Nadal has played out some of the sport's most memorable matches, and his endeavour, determination, ability to play far beyond the pain barrier and sheer will to have earned him universal acclaim, from tennis and beyond.
From the incredible Wimbledon final in 2008, to his almost unbelievable triumph in Melbourne in 2022 fighting back from two sets down - the first to ever do so in the Open Era at the Australian Open - Nadal's class was enduring.
Though naturally right-handed, he plays with his non-dominant hand which only underlines his talent and skill, which took him to the pinnacle of the sport.
Given his stature in the sport, the tributes quickly began to flood in following the shock announcement.
The official X account for Roland Garros - where he established himself as a living legend - posted a short, succinct message: 'King,' followed by an orange love heart.
Nadal's will always be a name associated with grit, endeavour, and a refusal to admit defeat
Nadal earned the career grand slam twice, sealing each of the sport's four biggest prizes on two occasions
His victory over great rival and close friend Roger Federer in 2008 is widely recognised as the best tennis match of all time
In 2022 he became the first men's player in the Open era to win the Australian Open final from two sets down
Nadal's statement in full
Hello everyone, I’m here to tell you that I am retiring from professional tennis. The reality is that it has been some difficult years, these last two especially. I don’t think I have been able to play with out limitations.
It is obviously a difficult decision, one that has taken me a long time to make. But in this life everything has a beginning and an end. And I think this is the appropriate time to put an end to a career that has been long and much more successful than I could ever have imagined.
But I am very exited that my last tournament will be the finals of the Davis Cup an representing my country. I’ve come full circle because one of my first great joys as a tennis player was the Davis Cup final in Seville in 2004.
I feel super super lucky for all the things I've been able to experience. I want to thanks the entire tennis industry, everyone involved in the sport. My long-time colleagues, especially my great rivals. I have spent many, many hours with them and I have lived moment that I will remember for the rest of my life.
Talking about my team is a little bit more difficult for me because in the end my team has been a very important part of my life. They are not just coworkers they are friends. They have been by my side all the times I have really needed them. Very bad moments, very good moments. Moments when I had to be pushed, moments they gave me more slack. We have lived so much together that it is hard to explain.
My family is everything to me. My mother: I think she has made all the sacrifices she had to make so that we would always have everything.
My wife, Mery, we’ve been together for 19 years. Thank you for everything you have done. I think you’ve been the perfect travel companion during all these years of my career. To come home and see how my son is growing every day has been a force that has really kept me alive and with the necessary energy to continue.
My sister, we have always had an incredible relationship. My uncle, who is the reason I started playing tennis. I believe that thanks to him, I have also been able to overcome many situations that have been difficult in my sporting career. And to my father who has been a source of inspiration for me in every sense of the word. He has been an example of effort, of overcoming. Many, many thanks to my father in a very, very special way.
And finally, you, the fans. I cant thank you enough for what you have made me feel. You have given me the energy I have needed at every moment. Really, everything I have experienced has been a dream come true.
I leave with the absolute peace of mind having given my best, of having made an effort in every way. I can only end by saying: a thousand thanks to all and see you soon.
They later added: '14 thanks for the millions of memories,' in reference to his unprecedented supremacy in the French capital.
He in fact turned down a ceremony to pay tribute to his achievements on the iconic red clay of Roland Garros this summer, promising to return.
However, it is expected that the French Open will put on a show to match the Spaniard's legacy next summer.
Wimbledon likewise paid homage to the soon-to-retire great: 'Forever a champion.'
Perhaps the biggest of them all, Federer then added his own words in tribute to his friend: 'What a race Rafa, I always hoped this day would never come.
'Thank you for the unforgettable memories and all your achievements in the sport we love. It has been an absolute honour.'
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