Former World No 1 tennis star from Spain and 22-time Grand Slam winner, Rafael Nadal, has announced his retirement from tennis after the Davis Cup next month.
According to media reports, 38-year-old Nadal reiterated in a video statement on social media that he would end his tennis career with the upcoming Davis Cup.
Addressing his fans, Nadal said, “I am retiring from professional tennis. The past two years have been tough, and I don’t think I can continue playing at my best. It was a difficult decision that took me a long time, but everything in life has a beginning and an end.”
Nadal has had to withdraw from several competitions due to injuries during his career. He was injured at the Australian Open at the start of 2023 and missed the French Open before undergoing surgery. In the last two seasons, he has played only 23 matches.
He stated, “I believe this is the right time to end my career. It has been long and very successful, more than I could have ever imagined, and I am thrilled that my final tournament will be the Davis Cup Final.”
Known as the “King of Clay,” Nadal has won a record 14 French Open titles during his 23-year career, along with four US Opens, two Australian Opens, and two Wimbledon championships.
Nadal had previously hinted at retirement due to a hip injury that limited his participation in several tournaments in 2023, requiring surgery.
The tennis legend has been selected for his final tournament, the Davis Cup Final 8, to be held in Malaga from November 19 to 24.
