The “King of Clay” calls it a carrier.
In an announcement video posted on social media, Rafael Nadal announced that he will be stepping away from tennis after the Davis Cup. The 38-year-old will represent Spain in the Davis Cup final in Malaga next month.
“I am here to inform you that I am retiring from professional tennis,” Nadal began his emotional message.
“The reality is that the last two years in particular have been difficult. I don't think we could have played without restrictions. It's obviously a difficult decision and it will take time to make.
“But in this life, everything has a beginning and an end, and I think this is the right time to end a career that has been longer and far more successful than I ever imagined.
“My last tournament will be the Davis Cup final and I am very excited to represent my country. One of my first great joys as a professional tennis player was the Davis Cup final in Sevilla in 2004. So I think I've come full circle. I feel very, very lucky for everything I've been through. I want to thank the entire tennis industry.”
Nadal has been plagued by injuries over the past two seasons. The 22-time Grand Slam champion suffers from Muller-Weiss syndrome in his feet, requiring numerous injections over the past few seasons, and has also suffered from an abdominal injury.
This season, Nadal was unable to play in the Australian Open, but was able to play in both the French Open and the Paris Olympics. At the Paris Games, he teamed up with Carlos Alcaraz in the men's doubles and advanced to the quarterfinals.
Nadal won the French Open 14 times during his career, the most wins in a single Grand Slam tournament. He also won 112 of 116 major matches at Roland Garros, earning him the nickname “King of Clay.”
Along with Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, this trio formed the “Big Three” and dominated the men's game since the turn of the century. Federer, who announced his retirement in 2022, shared his reaction to Nadal's social media post.
“What a great career, Rafa,” Federer said after watching Nadal's retirement video on Instagram. “I always wished this day would never come. Thank you for the unforgettable memories and incredible achievements in the game we love.
“It was truly an honor!”
