Nadal proclaims retirement, Davis Cup Finals might be final look

This 2024 tennis season will, actually, be Rafael Nadal’s final one on tour. And the Davis Cup Finals might be his final occasion.

Nadal introduced his retirement from tennis with a publish by way of social media on Thursday. He plans on taking part in for Spain, beginning with a quarterfinal tie towards the Netherlands, November 19-24 at dwelling in Malaga earlier than calling it quits.

Nadal captured 22 Grand Slam titles, together with 14 French Opens. The 38-year-old is a two-time Olympic gold medalist, profitable one in singles (2008 Beijing) and one in doubles (2016 Rio de Janeiro with Marc Lopez). He’s additionally a four-time Davis Cup champion.

“I’m right here to let you understand that I’m retiring from skilled tennis,” Nadal mentioned. “The truth is that it has been some troublesome years, these two particularly. I don’t assume I’ve been capable of play with out limitations. It’s clearly a troublesome resolution, one which takes me a while to make.

“However on this life, every little thing has a starting and an finish. And I feel it’s an acceptable time to place an finish to a profession that has been lengthy and way more profitable than I may have ever imagined.

“I’m very excited that my final event would be the remaining of the Davis Cup and representing my nation. I feel I’ve come full circle since one in every of my first nice joys as knowledgeable tennis participant was the Davis Cup remaining in Sevilla in 2004. I really feel tremendous, tremendous fortunate for all of the issues I’ve been capable of expertise. I wish to thank your entire tennis business.

“I really feel tremendous fortunate for all of the issues I’ve been capable of expertise. I wish to thank your entire tennis business, all of the individuals concerned on this sport, my longtime colleagues, particularly my nice rivals. I’ve spent many, many hours with them, and I’ve lived many moments that I’ll keep in mind for the remainder of my life. Speaking about my crew is slightly bit tougher for me, as a result of ultimately, my crew has been an important a part of my life. They’re not simply co-workers. They’re buddies.

“And at last, you the followers–I can’t thanks sufficient for what you’ve made me really feel. You give me the vitality I’ve wanted each second, actually.

“Every little thing I’ve skilled has been a dream come true. I depart with absolutely the peace of thoughts of getting given my greatest, of getting made an effort in each means I can solely finish by saying, a thousand because of you all. See you quickly.”

Nadal’s remaining main triumph got here on the 2022 French Open. He has since been tormented by stomach and hip accidents, alongside together with his continual foot drawback. Nadal has performed sparingly in 2024 however managed to make two appearances at Roland Garros, suiting up for each the French Open and the Paris Olympics.

Ricky contributes to 10sballs.com and in addition maintains his personal tennis web site, The Grandstand. You may comply with him on Twitter at @Dimonator.