Tennis legend Rafael Nadal to retire at end of season

· New York Post

Spain’s Rafa Nadal, who won 22 Grand Slam singles titles, said on Thursday he was putting an end to his professional tennis career, a decision effective after the Davis Cup final.

“It has been some difficult years, these last two especially,” the 38-year-old, who won a record 14 French Open titles, said in a video.

Nadal announced his retirement in a video posted on social media. @RafaelNadal/X
The 38-year-old said the past two years have been especially “difficult” for him. Getty Images for Laver Cup
Nadal has had a series of injuries that have impacted his career. Action Images via Reuters

“I am very excited that my last tournament will be the Davis Cup representing my country. It’s closing the circle because one of my first joys was the final in Sevilla in 2004.”

The Davis Cup knockout phase will be played from Nov. 19-24.

Rafael Nadal took home the gold in the men’s singles tennis match at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. Getty Images
Rafael Nadal celebrating his victory at the French Open on June 5, 2005. Action Images via Reuters
Nadal will retire after the Davis Cup final in November. Larry Marano

Nadal’s career has been hampered by injuries and he missed the 2023 French Open and was beaten in the first round by German Alexander Zverev this year.

He won his last Roland Garros title in 2022 and left the Paris clay on a jaw-dropping 112-4 win-loss record.