Rafael Nadal announces its retirement from tennis at 38

The most dominant clay-court career in tennis history came to an end on Thursday when Rafael Nadal, one of the greatest players of all time, announced his retirement at the age of 38.

With 22 Grand Slam victories, Rafael Nadal is ranked second among men all time, only behind Novak Djokovic. Renowned for his proficiency with clay and his rivalry with Roger Federer on the tennis court, Rafael Nadal declared that the Davis Cup in November would be his last encounter.

The Association of Tennis Professionals, the organization that oversees tennis, reports that he has about $135 million in prize money under his belt.

He had an incredible 112 victories and 4 losses in Roland-Garros. And he became so associated with the competition that a statue of his signature left forehand was unveiled there in 2021. Though Nadal is the best left-handed player in the world, he uses his right hand for other duties, including writing.

Nadal said the following after declaring his retirement:

“I am here to tell you that I am retiring from professional tennis. The reality is that it has been a difficult few years, these last two especially. I think I have not been able to play without limitations. It is obviously a difficult decision, which has taken me time to make, but in this life everything has a beginning and an end and I think it is the right time to put an end to what has been a long and much more successful career than I could have ever imagined.

I am very excited that my last tournament will be the final of the Davis Cup and representing my country. It is closing the circle, since one of my first great joys as a professional tennis player was the final in Seville in 2004.

I feel super, super lucky for all the things I have been able to experience. I want to thank the whole tennis industry, all the people involved in this sport. To my teammates for so many years, especially to my great rivals. I have spent many hours with them and I have lived moments that I will remember for the rest of my life.

I will talk about my team, it is a little more difficult for me, because they have been a very important part of my life. They are not workers, they are friends, and they have been by my side in all the moments when I have really needed them. Very bad moments, very good moments, moments when they have had to tighten up, when they have had to loosen up… We have lived so much together that it is difficult to explain.

Family is everything to me. My mother, I think she has made all the sacrifices she had to make so that we could have everything. My wife, Meri. We have been together for 19 years. Thank you for everything you have done, I think you have been my perfect traveling companion during all these years of my career. Coming home and seeing every day how my son is growing has been a force that has kept me alive and with the necessary energy to continue.

My sister, we have always had an incredible relationship. My uncle, he is the reason I started playing tennis. Thanks to him I have been able to overcome many situations that have been difficult in my sports career. And my father, who has been a source of inspiration in every way, he has been an example of effort, of overcoming. Many thanks to my father in a very special way.

And finally, you, the fans. I can’t thank you enough for what you have made me feel. You have given me the energy I needed at every moment. Everything I have experienced has really been a dream come true. I leave with the absolute peace of mind of having given my best, of having made an effort in every way. I can only end by saying a thousand thanks to all of you and see you soon”.