The 22-time Grand Slam winner is generally considered one of the greatest of all time in sports, and has dominated tennis in recent decades together with his greatest rivals, the Swiss Roger Federer and the Serbian Novak Djokovic.
Above all, Rafael Nadal has made himself the king of Roland Garros. On the French Championship's classic clay courts, he has taken 14 singles titles, by far the most on both the men's and women's sides.
The future has, however, been uncertain in recent years, as the 38-year-old's increasing injury problems have grown. He has himself hinted that this might be his last season in his tennis career, which he now confirms.
"Some tough years"
I'm here to tell you that I'm quitting as a professional tennis player, says Nadal in a video on X, formerly Twitter.
It's been some tough years, especially the last two. I haven't been able to play without limitations.
Nadal missed almost the entire tennis year 2023 due to hip problems. Of this year's four Grand Slam tournaments, the Spaniard has only been able to participate in one, and there, in the French Championship, he was eliminated in the first round.
Ending with Davis Cup
He says, however, that it has been a difficult decision that has taken time to make.
In life, everything has a beginning and an end, and I think this is the right time to put a stop to a long career that has been much more successful than I could have dreamed of.
Recently, he has chosen to opt out of both the US Open and the Laver Cup, and several times hinted that his career may be coming to an end.
But his career is not quite over yet. Nadal's plan is still to represent Spain in the Davis Cup finals in November.
It feels fantastic that my last tournament will be the Davis Cup, where I get to represent my country. The circle is closed, since one of my first big happy events as a professional was the Davis Cup final in Seville in 2004, says Rafael Nadal.
Born: June 3, 1986.
Turned pro: 2001.
Grand Slam record: 14 titles in the French Championship (2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022), 4 titles in the US Open (2010, 2013, 2017, 2019), 2 titles in Wimbledon (2008, 2010), 2 titles in the Australian Open (2009, 2010).
ATP titles in total: 92, of which 63 on clay.
Current: Announced on Thursday that he is ending his career.
