One of the all-time greats to ever pick up a racket, Rafael Nadal at 38 years old has let the world know that he will retire at the end of this 2024 season.
When it comes to accolades not many can stand against the Spanish tennis star, who at 38 years old has accumulated an astounding 22 Grand Slam Titles ever since turning pro in 2001 at 15.
After suffering from injuries over the past few years, Nadal believes it's time to call it a career, and this announcement was made in a video message posted on Nadal's social media pages, in which he captioned it with the translation of "much thanks" in 12 different languages.
Mil gracias a todos
Many thanks to all
Merci beaucoup à tous
Grazie mille à tutti
谢谢大家
شكرا لكم جميعا
תודה לכולכם
Obrigado a todos
Vielen Dank euch allen
Tack alla
Хвала свима
Gràcies a tots pic.twitter.com/7yPRs7QrOi— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) October 10, 2024
"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. 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."
Getty; Credit- STF
"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."
Nadal's final matches will come November 19-21, when he plays for Spain vs. the Netherlands in the Davis Cup, a tournament in which he is a four-time winner.
22 Grand Slams, 14 French Open titles, 92 ATP titles, 36 Masters, and an Olympic Gold. Rafael Nadal, the 'King of Clay,' announces his retirement, closing the chapter on an incredible career. Thank you for the memories, Rafa ❤️#RafaelNadal pic.twitter.com/W9t1WWtGDu
— Prayag (@theprayagtiwari) October 10, 2024
Undoubtedly, Nadal, aka the "King of Clay," has earned his spot on the tennis Mount Rushmore next to Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray as four of the greatest in the modern era.
6.) vs Novak Djokovic, Roland-Garros 2013pic.twitter.com/2ltz5UGXZw
— ً (@nadalprop_) May 17, 2024
The Spaniard's farewell will be accompanied by many tributes from fans and fellow players alike, acknowledging Nadal's legendary career that earned him 14 French Open titles, 92 ATP titles, 36 Masters, and two Olympic gold medals.
Roger Federer penned an emotional tribute to his long-term rival, Rafael Nadal on IG following his retirement announcement 🥹
The tennis legends played each other 40 times in their careers, with Nadal having the advantage:
🎾 10-4 record in Grand Slams
🎾 24-16 record overall https://t.co/RGC7SDUx7a pic.twitter.com/D42t77l7I4— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) October 10, 2024
