Rafael Nadal announces retirement at the end of the 2024 season | ATP Tour
Rafael Nadal
Nadal confirms he will retire at the end of the 2024 season
The Spanish legend will end his professional career at the Davis Cup Finals
October 10, 2024
Martin Bernetti/AFP via Getty Images
Rafael Nadal playing in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
By ATP staff
Rafael Nadal has announced that he will retire at the end of the 2024 season.
The 38-year-old Spaniard will compete in his final tournament at the Davis Cup finals, which will be held in Malaga from November 19-24.
“Hello everyone, I am here to inform you that I am retiring from professional tennis,” Nadal said in Spanish in a video posted on X. “The truth is that it was a difficult year, especially the last two years. I don’t think I was able to play without restrictions.
“It is clear that this is a difficult decision, which took me a long time to make, but in this life everything has a beginning and an end, I feel that it is the right time to finish the work that has been going on for a long time and is finished. it was more successful than I could have imagined.”
A 92-time tour-level champion who spent 209 weeks at No. 1 in the PIF ATP Rankings, Nadal has been one of the leading lights on the ATP Tour since becoming champion in 2001. He is on the Grand Slam list 22 times, a statistic that includes a record 14 crowns at Roland Garros.
Thanks for everything Rafa, it’s been amazing ♥️#RafaSiempre
– ATP Tour (@atptour) October 10, 2024
Nadal will end his young career in Malaga, where he will be part of the Spanish Davis Cup team that includes Carlos Alcaraz. The host nation plays its quarter-final match against the Netherlands on Tuesday, 19 November from 5pm local time (CET).
“I am very happy that my last competition will be the Davis Cup final and to represent my country,” said Nadal. In the final of the Cup in Sevilla in 2004.
“I feel very lucky for all the things I’ve been able to experience.”
Nadal, who has a 12-7 record in 2024 so far, went on to thank his ATP Tour rivals, his team, and his family (including his uncle and former coach Toni Nadal). Although his body rarely allowed him to compete in full competition in the last two seasons, the Spaniard’s trademark in his game has not wavered. He said part of his desire to continue playing this long was the arrival of his son, Rafael, which he shares with his wife Maria.
“Coming home and seeing how my son is growing every day has kept me alive and I have the necessary strength to continue,” said the Spaniard.
Nadal is very popular with fans around the world. His blistering left-handed game, combined with his almost unparalleled desire to compete and his role as part of the ‘Big 3′ alongside Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, means he will end his career as one of tennis’ greats.
“Finally, you fans. I can’t thank you enough for what you made me feel,” said Nadal at the end of the video. “He gave me the strength I needed all the time.
“Really, everything I’ve experienced was a dream. I leave with complete peace of mind that I have given my best, by making an effort in every way. I can conclude by saying a thousand thanks to all of them and see you soon.”
