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 long and with much more success than I could have ever imagined”
• He will have one last dance left with the Davis Cup finals with the Spanish team in November 2024. 

15:20 – Iniesta pays tribute to his compatriot

Andres Iniesta, who also announced his retirement a few days ago, paid tribute on social media. “Congratulations on your spectacular career and the legacy you leave behind”.

14:55 – Real Madrid's press release

A big fan of Real Madrid, Rafael Nadal often goes to the stadium. It was legitimate to see a press release of the biggest club in the world.

14:35 – Carlos Moya: “Proud to have been part of your journey”

“We knew that one day this would happen. I am proud to have been part of your journey, as a coach, but also as a friend. Thank you for all of this” said Rafa Nadal's coach.

14:15 – “You will always be a legend” said Mbappéé

“Congratulations on your career Rafa, an example as a player and a person", wrote the French striker on Instagram. Enjoy your retirement. You will always be a legend."

14:00 – “Forever a champion”

Wimbledon also paid tribute to the Spaniard after the retirement announcement. Rafael Nadal won twice the London tournament on grass.

13:45 – Rafael Nadal's crazy prize money

Anecdotal for many, it is still necessary to note the incredible prize money of the Spaniard throughout his career  with 134,946,100 million. He is just ahead of Novak Djokovic who has not finished his career

13:30 – The mayor of Paris pays tribute to Nadal

“Thank you for making the hearts of Parisians beat so much by making Roland Garros vibrate so many times,” wrote Anne Hidalgo after the Spaniard's retirement was announced. “Paris and Rafael Nadal, it's a love story that is not ready to stop!”

13:30 – Cristiano Ronaldo's tribute

“Rafa, what an incredible career you have had! Your dedication, passion and incredible talent have inspired millions of people around the world,” CR7 praised on social media. “It has been an honour to witness your journey and to be able to call you a friend. Congratulations on an incredible career! Enjoy your retirement!"

13:18 – A legendary record

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 de la Porte d'Auteuil.

12:50 – “A thousand thanks to 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've experienced has been a dream come true. I am leaving 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” says the Spaniard to conclude this 4-minute 44-minute video.

12:38 – 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 harder for me”

“Talking about my team is harder 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 it, in good times and bad,” the Spaniard said.

12:10 – “You were one hell of a warrior,” Kyrgios said

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.

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