PARIS, France (UPDATED) — Tennis legend Rafael Nadal revealed on Thursday that he will retire after the Davis Cup finals in November, closing the chapter on a historic career that earned him 22 Grand Slam titles and solidified his place among the sport’s all-time greats.
Nadal, 38, reflected on his challenging recent years in a video shared on social media, saying, “I am retiring from professional tennis. The reality is, these past few years have been difficult, especially the last two.”
Nadal acknowledged the decision wasn’t easy, explaining, “It’s a tough choice, one I’ve taken my time to make. But in life, everything has a beginning and an end.”
The Spanish champion, who has amassed 92 titles and $135 million in prize money, will conclude his two-decade career at the Davis Cup in Malaga, where he hopes to secure a fifth title for Spain.
“I believe it’s the right moment to end a career that has been longer and far more successful than I could have ever imagined,” Nadal said.
Nadal’s legacy is perhaps best illustrated by his domination of the French Open, where he secured 14 of his Grand Slam titles, his first just after turning 19 in 2005 and his last in 2022.
Over 116 matches at Roland Garros, Nadal was defeated just four times. He also enjoyed major successes at the US Open (four titles), Australian Open (two titles), and Wimbledon (two titles).
One of Nadal’s most memorable moments came in the 2008 Wimbledon final, a five-set epic against Roger Federer, widely considered one of the greatest matches in tennis history.
His career achievements also include a career Golden Slam, with Olympic gold in 2008, and being world number one for a total of 209 weeks.
Nadal’s battles with injuries—spanning his ankles, knees, wrists, and more—often interrupted his career, but his fierce determination always brought him back to the top.
Despite missing 18 Grand Slam tournaments and being forced to withdraw mid-event on five occasions, his resilience became a hallmark of his career.
As he prepares to step off the court, Nadal leaves behind a legacy of excellence, strength, and unforgettable rivalries, particularly with Federer and Novak Djokovic, who holds the record for 24 Grand Slam titles.
Reflecting on Federer’s retirement in 2022, Nadal once said, “When Roger leaves the tour, an important part of my life is leaving too.”