The “King of Clay” is calling it a career.
In an announcement video posted to social media, Rafael Nadal announced that following the Davis Cup he would be stepping away from tennis. The 38-year-old will represent Spain at the Davis Cup Finals next month in Malaga.
“I am here to let you know I am retiring from professional tennis,” began Nadal in an emotional message.
“The reality is that it has been some difficult years, these two especially. 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.
“But in this life, everything has a beginning and an end. And I think it’s an appropriate time to put an end to a career that has been long and much more successful 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. I think I’ve come full circle since one of my first great joys as a professional tennis player was the Davis Cup final in Sevilla in 2004. I feel super, super lucky for all the things I’ve been able to experience. I want to thank the entire tennis industry.”
Nadal has struggled with injuries the past two seasons. The 22-time Grand Slam Champion has Mueller-Weiss syndrome in his foot, a condition that required numerous injections over the past few seasons and has struggled with abdominal injuries.
This season Nadal missed the Australian Open, but was able to compete at both the French Open and the Paris Olympics. Paired with Carlos Alcaraz at the Paris games in men’s doubles, the duo reached the quarterfinals.
Over his career, Nadal won the French Open 14 times, a record for the most wins at a single Grand Slam tournament. He also won 112 of his 116 major matches at Roland Garros, earning him the “King of Clay” nickname.
Along with Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, the trio formed the “Big Three,” as they dominated the men’s game starting after the turn of the century. Federer, who announced his retirement in 2022, shared his reaction on Nadal’s social media post.
“What a career, Rafa” Federer said, in response to Nadal’s retirement video on Instagram. “I always hoped this day would never come. Thank you for the unforgettable memories and all your incredible achievements in the game we love.
“It’s been an absolute honour!”
