Rafael Nadal: Spaniard announces end of career in poignant video, tributes

Spanish legend Rafael Nadal announced on social media this Thursday, October 10, the end of his tennis career.

The essentials

• An announcement that was expected, but is now official. After several months of great uncertainty, Rafael Nadal announced that he was ending his professional career at the end of the 2024 season in a poignant video on social networks this Thursday, October 10.
• “Hello everyone, I am here to tell you that I am retiring from professional tennis,” the former world number 1 said in his video. “The reality is that the last few years have been difficult, especially the last two. I don't think I am capable of playing without limits. It is obviously a difficult decision that took me a long time. But, in this life, everything has a beginning and an end and I think it is the right time to put the final point to a career that has been a success long and with much more success than I could have ever imaginedé"
• He will have one last dance left with the Davis Cup finals with the Spanish team in November 2024. 

13:18 – A legendary list of achievements

In total, Rafael Nadal has won 92 ATP titles in his career, 36 Masters 1000, 14 Roland-Garros, 4 US Open, 2 Wimbledon, 2 Australian Open, 4 Davis Cup, but also 2 Olympic titles in singles in Beijing in 2008 and then in doubles in Rio in 2016.

13:04 – “King Rafa”, Roland-Garros' tribute

The official Roland-Garros account has released a video paying tribute to the Spaniard, 14 times winner on the sideé de la Porte d'Auteuil.

12:50 – "A thousand thanks à all”, Nadal's conclusion

“And finally, you, the fans, I don't know how to thank you for what you made me feel. You gave me the energy I needed at every moment. Truly, everything I experienced was a dream come true. I leave with absolute serenity, I gave the maximum I could, at all levels. I can only end by saying: a thousand thanks to all, and &see you soon" launches the Spaniard to conclude this 4 minute 44 long video.

12:38 – The tribute to his family

“Family is everything to me. My mother, I think she made every sacrifice she had to make so that we always had what we needed. My wife, Mery, we have been together for nineteen years. Thank you for everything you have done, you have been the perfect travel companion throughout her career. Coming home and seeing how my son was growing every day was a force that really kept me alive, with the energy to keep going. My sister and I have always had an incredible relationship. My uncle, who is the reason why I started playing tennis. I think it is thanks to him that I was able to overcome many difficult situations in my sports career. And my father, who was an inspiration, in every sense of the word. He was an example of effort and surpassing oneself. A big, big thank you, very special to my father"

"What a career Rafa! I always hoped this day would never come," Roger Federer said. "Thank you for the unforgettable memories and all your achievements in this game we love. It was truly an honor!"

12:20 – "Talking about my team is more difficult for me"

“Talking about my team is more difficult for me. Because they have been a very important part of my life. They are not just work colleagues, but friends who have always been by my side when I really needed them, in good times and bad,” the Spaniard said.

12:10 – “You were a hell of a warrior” Kyrgios launches

The tennis world is starting to pay tribute to the Spaniard. “You were one hell of a warrior” launches in particular the Australian Nick Kyrgios after the announcement of the retirement of the Spaniard.

12:08 – See you on November 19 for a last dance

From November 19, Spain will face the Netherlands in the quarter-finals of the Final 8 played in Malaga in the Davis Cup. Meetings that will be eagerly awaited by all fans.

11:58 – 22 Grand Slam titles for Rafael Nadal

The Spaniard will have won 22 Grand Slam titles in his career. He will remain 2 lengths (maybe more in the years to come) behind the Serbian Novak Djokovic who is at 24 and ahead of Roger Federer with 20 titles.

11:51 – “I am very excited that my last tournament will be the Davis Cup final”

“I am very excited that my last tournament will be the Davis Cup final representing my country,” he continued. “I think I will have come full circle from one of my first great joys as a professional tennis player which was the Davis Cup final in Seville in 2004. I feel super happy with all the things I have been able to experience.”

11:46 – “The reality is that the last few years have been tough, especially the last two"

"Hello everyone, I'm here to tell you that I'm retiring from professional tennis," the former world number 1 said in his video. "The reality is that the last few years have been tough, especially the last two. I don't think I'm capable of playing unlimited. It's obviously a difficult decision that took me a long time. But in this life, everything has a beginning and an end and I think it's the right time to put the final point on a career that has been long and much more successful than I could have ever imagined.”

11:45 – Only 23 games in 2 years

The Spaniard has been suffering from injuries for two years and has only played only 23 matches on the circuit, a difficult observation for the legend who didn't really have a choice.

11:40 – No last Roland-Garros

Unfortunately for French fans, Rafael Nadal will not play a last Roland-Garros. His last match in the first round against Alexander Zverev was indeed the last of his career on the side of the Porte d'Auteuil.