Expect Rafael Nadal to retire before the end of the 2024 season after the tennis great made it official on social media on Thursday.
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NADAL TO RETIRE BEFORE END OF 2024 SEASON
Expect Nadal to retire before the end of the season, as the 38-year-old Spanish great broke the news in a video statement to social media.
Furthermore, the 22-time Grand Slam champion will play for Spain one last time against the Netherlands at the Davis Cup in Malaga from November 19-21.
“I’m here to let you know that I am retiring from professional tennis. The reality is that it has been some difficult years, these two especially,” Nadal said.
“I don’t think I have been able to play without limitations. It is obviously a difficult decision, one that takes me some time to make,” he added.
Nadal will be most remembered for winning 14 French Open titles in 18 years, three US Opens, two Wimbledons, and two Australian Open titles.
The former world No.1 won Olympic gold in men’s singles at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and in men’s doubles at the 2016 Rio Games.
FEDERER, DJOKOVIC LEAD TRIBUTES TO SPANISH GREAT
Moreover, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, who joined Nadal in establishing tennis men’s “Big Three” that ruled the sport in their generation, led the tributes.
“I always hoped this day would never come. Thank you for the unforgettable memories and all your incredible achievements in the game we love,” Federer wrote on Instagram.
“You have inspired millions of children to start playing tennis, and I think that’s probably the greatest achievement anyone can wish for,” Djokovic added.
Nadal, Federer, and Djokovic combined for 66 Grand Slam titles in their prime years.
The Spanish great will join Federer and Andy Murray in retirement, leaving only Djokovic as the remnant of what became the “Big Four” of tennis.
CURRENT TENNIS STARS SINNER, ALCARAZ ALSO PAY TRIBUTE
Furthermore, current tennis stars, Spanish sports stars, and even celebrities have also written on social media to pay tribute to Nadal.
Moreover, world No.1 Jannik Sinner, Nadal’s compatriot, and world No.3 Carlos Alcaraz led the current generation of stars to laud the man, also known as”Rafa.”
“To have the chance to spend a few weeks training with you a few years ago is something I’ll never forget,” Sinner said.
American tennis great Andy Roddick, Ons Jabeur, and Nick Krygrios also joined the outpour of support for Nadal.
“Thank you, @RafaelNadal, for inspiring me and all of us. You will be missed,” Jabeur wrote.
“Rafa don’t retire I wanna play you 1 last time,” Krygrios added.
FOOTBALL, BASKETBALL STARS ALSO TOOK NOTICE
Moreover, the entire sporting world also took notice of Nadal’s historic announcement.
Portuguese football star Cristiano Ronaldo and German footballer Toni Kroos lauded Nadal’s “incredible” career.
“Rafa, what an incredible career you’ve had! Your dedication, passion, and incredible talent have inspired millions around the world,” Ronaldo said.
“What an example as a player and most important as a person! See you soon, Rafa!” Kroos added.
Former NBA stars Pau Gasol and LaMarcus Aldridge, as well as female tennis stars Coco Gauff and Caroline Garcia, wished Nadal well.
