Rafa Nadal to retire from tennis after David Cup Final 8

Rafael Nadal announced his retirement date on Thursday, with the tennis great sharing that his last match will be for Spain at the Davis Cup Final 8 in Malaga this November.

The 38-year-old has competed on the ATP Tour for 23 years, winning 22 Grand Slams, two Olympic gold medals and 92 singles titles overall.

Despite stiff competition from the likes of Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic throughout his career, Nadal spent 209 weeks as the No.1 player in the world.

“Hello everyone, I’m here to let you know that I am retiring from professional tennis,” he said in a video shared to his social media.

“The reality is that it has been some difficult years, these last two especially.

“I don’t think I have been able to play without limitations.

“It is obviously a difficult decision, one that has taken me some time to make.

“But, in this life, everything has a beginning and an end.

“And I think it’s the appropriate time to put an end to a career that has been long and much more successful than I could have ever imagined.”

Nadal’s last title came at the French Open in 2022, where he defied the odds to claim a record-extending 14th trophy in Paris.

Since then, the Spaniard has struggled to produce a competitive level, courtesy of abdominal, leg and hip injuries.

In 2023, he only managed to play four matches, and while he returned and contested 19 matches this year, it was obvious the all-time great was nearing the end.

It is fitting that Nadal’s final match will be representing Spain, considering one of his earliest successes on court came for his country in the Davis Cup.

“I am very excited that my last tournament will be the final of the Davis Cup and representing my country,” he said.

“I think I’ve come full circle since one of my first great joys as a professional tennis player was the Davis Cup final in Sevilla in 2004.

“I feel super, super lucky for all the things I’ve been able to experience.

“I want to thank the entire tennis industry.

“All the people involved in this sport — my long-time colleagues, especially my great rivals.

“I have spent many, many hours with them, and I have lived many moments that I will remember for the rest of my life.”

Tributes pour in for Nadal after retirement news

In the immediate aftermath of Nadal’s announcement, tributes have flooded in from the tennis world.

“Rafa, one post is not enough to express the respect I have for you and what you have done for our sport,” 24-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic said.

“Thank you for pushing me to the very limit so many times in our rivalry that has impacted me the most as a player.”

“Another tough one,” Australian great Rod Laver said.

“Retirement is inevitable but I’m going to miss watching this bloke fighting for every point like no other.

“A truly remarkable human, best wishes Rafael Nadal.”

“Thank you, Rafael Nadal, for everything you have given to the sport,” world No.1 Jannik Sinner posted.

“To have the chance to spend a few weeks training with you a few years ago is something I’ll never forget.

“To watch you work as an athlete but also get to know you as a person off the court was even more special.

“A true legend of the game who paved the way and taught so many of us how to be as a player and as a person.”

The Davis Cup Final 8 takes place from November 19-23 in Malaga, Spain.

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