Rafa Nadal, the Spanish tennis champion officially announced his retirement from professional sports in an emotional video on Thursday.
Taking to his X account, Nadal wrote, “The reality is that the last two years have been difficult and I have not been able to play without limitations. It is a difficult decision, which has taken me time but in this life everything has a beginning and an end,” he said in the video posted in X.
“I think it is the right time to put an end to what has been a long and much more successful career than I could have ever imagined,” continued the player.
“I’m very excited that my last tournament is the Davis Cup final and representing my country. I think it is closing the circle since one of my first great joys as a professional tennis player was the final in Seville in 2004.”
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The Spaniard retires at the age of 38, having won 92 titles, including 22 Grand Slams. He also won Olympic gold medals in singles and doubles and played a key role in five Davis Cup victories.
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
Nadal has maintained tight ties with his family throughout his career, especially his uncle Toni, who has been his coach for many years.
Rafa’s aunt, Maria Oliver, told reporters that they value “all the good things and spectacular challenges he has achieved.”
Nadal also noted in the video he shared on X that family is important to him. “family is everything to me. My mother made all the sacrifices so that we could have everything.
“My wife Mery, we’ve been together for 19 years, thank you for everything you’ve done. You were my perfect traveling companion. Coming home and seeing my son grow up has been a force that has kept me alive.”
