Nadal Retires from Tennis, Says He’s Fortunate to Have Turned His Passion into a Career
Malaga: Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal announced his retirement from professional tennis after a Davis Cup match against the Netherlands on his home turf. Nadal expressed gratitude for being able to transform his passion into a remarkable career.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion’s professional tennis journey came to an end on Tuesday night during Spain’s Davis Cup quarterfinal match against the Netherlands. Nadal lost the opening singles match to Botic van de Zandschulp in straight sets, 6-4, 6-4.
Following Nadal’s loss, young sensation Carlos Alcaraz evened the score by defeating Tallon Griekspoor 7-6 (0), 6-3. However, later, Alcaraz and Marcel Granollers lost the decisive doubles match 7-6 (4), 7-6 (3), allowing the Netherlands to advance to the next round.
Speaking to ATP’s official website after the match, Nadal said, “I am someone who owes thanks to so many people. It’s hard to know where to begin.”
Nadal thanked his fans for their exceptional support. “I feel very fortunate to have received so much affection, both in Spain and globally,” he added.
Acknowledging both his opponents and teammates, Nadal said, “I want to thank the entire Spanish team here. You all gave me the opportunity to play in this Davis Cup. It didn’t turn out the way we wanted, but I gave it my all. Many of my career’s most emotional moments have been with people present here. It has been a huge honor for me. Together, we’ve achieved incredible things, and now it’s your time to continue achieving them.”
Nadal admitted that no athlete wants to face the moment of retirement, but his body no longer supports playing tennis.
“You have to accept the situation. I feel incredibly fortunate. I’ve been able to turn one of my passions into a career, and it lasted far longer than I ever imagined. I can only be grateful for life,” Nadal said.
He expressed gratitude to the press, tennis organizations, and the community for their support, which helped him keep going. He also gave a special message to his family and team in the stands.
With tears in his eyes, Nadal said, “I am at peace because I have received an upbringing that allows me to embrace my new life with calmness. I have a wonderful family around me to help.”
Reflecting on his loss to Botic, Nadal described it as an emotional day for him.
“I knew this could be my last match as a professional tennis player. The moments leading up to it were emotional and somewhat difficult to handle. There were so many emotions. I tried to manage them as best as I could. Regardless of the result, I gave my best energy and attitude. At the end, there was a glimmer of hope, but it wasn’t to be. My opponent was better than me today, and that’s all there is to it,” he said.
After losing to Novak Djokovic in July during the second round of the Paris Olympics, Nadal had not played competitive tennis. Since then, he had been training on the court and felt ready to compete for his captain, David Ferrer.
“It was decided that I would play. We knew it was a bit of a risky decision. David had watched all of us practice and believed I was the right player for the match. I tried, but it didn’t work out. In the end, you cannot control your level, only your attitude, energy, and determination. I was not disappointed. I just couldn’t deliver what was required to earn a point for Spain,” Nadal explained.
Nadal retires with 22 Grand Slam titles, including a record 14 French Open singles titles. He also won the Australian Open twice (2009, 2022), Wimbledon twice (2008, 2010), and four U.S. Open titles (2010, 2013, 2017, 2019).
At 38, Nadal ends his career with 36 ATP Masters 1000 titles among 92 ATP Tour-level trophies. He also claimed an Olympic gold medal in men’s doubles at the 2016 Rio Olympics, making him one of only three male players—alongside Novak Djokovic and Andre Agassi—to complete the Career Golden Slam with victories in all four major Grand Slams and an Olympic gold.