Rafael Nadal confirms retirement in tearful announcement ahead of final tournament

Tennis legend Rafael Nadal has declared his intention to step away from the sport and bring the curtain down on his incredible career.

The 38-year0old, laden with 22 grand slam titles, plans to bid his final adieus to his professional tennis career in November. Reflecting an illustrious saga of on-court brilliance, Nadal will make his swansong at the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga, donning the national colors one final time.

Announcing the bittersweet news, Nadal stated, "I am here to let you know I am retiring from professional tennis," Detailing the struggles he's endured, especially over the past two years, he shared, "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.

• Rory McIlroy receives touching message of support from Andy Murray after 'tough year'
• Caitlin Clark overlooked as Coco Gauff taking inspiration from WNBA rival

"It is obviously a difficult decision, one that has taken me some time to make. But in this life, everything has a beginning and an end. And I think that it's an appropriate time to put an end to a career that has been long and much more successful than I could ever have imagined."

Despite the impending closure, Nadal expressed enthusiasm about his final appearance: "But, I am very excited that my last tournament will be the final of the Davis Cup, representing my country. I think I have come full circle, since one of the first great joys as a professional tennis player was the Davis Cup final in Seville in 2004."

Turning pro in 2001, Nadal's journey saw him reigning atop the world rankings for 209 weeks. He blazed a trail of glory particularly at Roland-Garros, nabbing his inaugural French Open title back in 2005 and continuing to dominate the clay courts with 14 French Open victories in his trophy cabinet.

The tennis legend's reign wasn't just confined to the clay courts; he clinched the Australian Open and Wimbledon titles twice each, along with four U. S. Open victories at Flushing Meadows. His Olympic journey was golden in both singles and doubles, and he engaged in epic showdowns with his formidable adversaries Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.

"I feel super, super lucky for all the things I have been able to experience," he added. "I want to thank all the tennis industry. All the people involved in this sport: my long-time colleagues, especially my great rivals. I have spent many, many hours with them and I have lived many moments that I will remember for the rest of my life."

Injuries, however, began to take their toll in recent years. He battled foot and abdominal issues in 2021 and 2022, and a hip flexor injury sidelined him for almost all of the 2023 season.

He made a comeback this year but faced an early exit from the Australian Open in the second round. His Roland-Garros campaign ended abruptly too, with a straight-sets defeat to Alexander Zverev in the first round.

Choosing to bypass Wimbledon, Nadal focused on being fit for the Olympics in August. There, he encountered Djokovic in the second round of the singles, where he was defeated.

In the doubles, partnering with compatriot Carlos Alcaraz, they advanced to the quarter-finals before Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram halted their progress.