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BREAKING NEWS Rafael Nadal confirms retirement date in emotional goodbye video as 22-time Grand Slam champion prepares to bid farewell to tennis By Dominic Hogan Published: 05:33 EDT, 10 October 2024 | Updated: 05:51 EDT, 10 October 2024 e-mail 13 View comments Rafael Nadal has announced his intention to retire from professional tennis in a shock announcement on Thursday morning. The Spanish tennis icon is considered one of the greatest to ever play the game - and by some the best of all - but has shocked fans by confirming that he will soon be hanging up his racket for good. Nadal, now 38, posted an emotional video on his social media account announcing the decision, reflecting on a career that was 'longer and more successful then I could ever have imagined'.
The 38-year-old Spaniard, who won 22 grand slam titles including 14 at the French Open , revealed the news in a video message posted on X. He said: 'Hello everyone. I'm here to let you know that I am retiring from professional tennis.
' 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 Rafael Nadal has announced his intention to retire from tennis, bringing an end to a storied career in tennis Nadal represented Spain at the Olympics in Paris on the court that has seen him enjoy so much glory He first erupted onto the scene with a stunning French Open title at 19 in 2005 - his first attempt Nadal has struggled with fitness and physical issues over the past two years, despite still competing at some of the sport's more prestigious competitions, as he touched on in his heartfelt message, admitting it has been hard to play 'without limitations'.
The tennis icon erupted onto the scene with a stunning French Open win at just 19 in 2005 at his first attempt, beating Roger Federer in the semis along the way - one of only four to beat the great Swiss that year. He would later follow it up with another 13 titles at Roland Garros, with nine coming in his first 10 attempts, becoming one of the most dominant athletes in any sport in one specific event. By 24 he had won all available grand slam titles - becoming the youngest to ever do so in the process - and has also twice earned Olympic gold for Spain (singles in 2008, doubles in 2016).
Yet, as he reflects in his message, all great things must come to an end, and the final of the upcoming Davis Cup will be Nadal's final foray onto the court as a professional tennis player. MORE TO FOLLOW. Rafael nadal Share or comment on this article: Rafael Nadal confirms retirement date in emotional goodbye video as 22-time Grand Slam champion prepares to bid farewell to tennis e-mail Add comment.
