Tennis
The King of Clay, Rafael Nadal, retires─── MORGAN PIEK 11:59 Thu, 10 Oct 2024
“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.”
It’s official, the 22-time Grand Slam champion, Rafael Nadal, has retired from professional tennis following a stellar career.
The 38-year-old King of Clay announced it on Thursday morning and it still came as a shock despite playing limited tennis and battling with injuries over the past two seasons.
Rafael Nadal won Wimbledon twice. Photo: AELTC
The Spanish superstar became the undisputed champion of clay, especially at the French Open where he won the Grand Slam a record 14 times. In addition, the King of Clay won the US Open four times, Wimbledon and the Australian Open on two occasions each.
His final act was during the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris where he attempted to win a third gold medal. He won the men's singles at the 2008 Games in Beijing and the men's doubles at the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro.
On Thursday morning, Nadal broke the news on his X account.
Mil gracias a todos
Many thanks to all
Merci beaucoup à tous
Grazie mille à tutti
????
???? ??? ?????
???? ??????
Obrigado a todos
Vielen Dank euch allen
Tack alla
????? ?????
Gràcies a tots pic.twitter.com/7yPRs7QrOi— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) October 10, 2024
“I am here to let you know I am retiring from professional tennis,” said Nadal.
“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.
“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.”
Rafael Nadal. Photo: Simon Bruty/USTA
Nadal will be in action for one last time when he represents Spain in the Davis Cup in November.
Nadal will no doubt go down as one of the very greats of the sport and he hangs up his racquet with a legacy that has and will inspire countless sportsmen and sportswomen.
Adiós Rafa!
