Tennis legend Rafael Nadal has announced his retirement from the sport at the end of 2024.
The Spanish superstar brings down the curtain on his incredible career, which includes 22 Grand Slam title wins, as the second-highest tally in men’s singles tennis history, behind Novak Djokovic on 24.
Injuries have caused persistent issues for Nadal across the last 12 months as the veteran ‘King of Clay’ has looked to manage his game time across tournaments.
His decision not to appear at Wimbledon allowed him anther shot at the Olympic Games as he reached the doubles quarterfinals alongside Carlos Alcaraz at Paris 2024.
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As part of an emotional video confirming his retirement plan, Nadal also stated he will make his final competitive appearance at the 2024 Davis Cup finals in Malaga in November.
“I am here to let you know I am retiring from professional tennis”, he said.
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
“The reality is that it has been some difficult years, the last two especially. I don’t think I have been able to play without limitations. “
Spain have been drawn against the Netherlands in the quarterfinals of the 2024 David Cup and Nadal will open the knockout stages against Botic van de Zandschulp on November 19 at the Martin Carpena Arena.
Rafael Nadal Gram Slam record, titles won
Nadal’s haul of 22 Grand Slams means he will retire behind Djokovic but in front of his old rival Roger Federer.
Roland Garros has seen the best of Nadal over the years, with his 14 French Open titles the most successful return for any player at a single tournament in tennis history.
The 38-year-old has also shown his versatility with title wins at the other four major events at the US and Australian Opens and Wimbledon.
Below are the full details on Nadal’s Grand Slam title wins:
*Bold indicates the number of titles won.
| Tournament | Title winning years |
| French Open | 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022 (14) |
| US Open | 2010, 2013, 2017, 2019 (4) |
| Australian Open | 2009, 2022 (2) |
| Wimbledon | 2008, 2010 (2) |
