Rafael Nadal to retire: What you need to know about the tennis great

EXPLAINER

Rafael Nadal announced his retirement from tennis following the Davis Cup final this year, ending a distinguished career that included 22 Grand Slam victories, admiration for Roger Federer, and inspiring rivalries with Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer.

“I am retiring from professional tennis. In a video released on social media on Thursday, Nadal stated in a statement on the subject that it has been some difficult years, especially these last two.

“It is obviously a difficult decision, one that has taken me some time to make. However, there is a beginning and an end to everything in this life.

Nadal, 38, is expected to retire as one of tennis’s greatest players ever.

Here’s all to know about the Spanish superstar’s retirement, legacy and what happens next:

Did Nadal’s retirement be forced by his age and injuries?

In many ways, yes. Nadal had previously stated that he anticipated retiring this year due to a hip condition that required surgery and limited his appearance in 2023.

Nadal has had a number of injuries in recent years, including having surgery and having injured himself at the Australian Open in early 2023. Additionally, he has had a number of years of ongoing knee injuries.

He has played only 23 matches in the past two seasons.

How many years did Nadal play professionally?

Twenty-three. In 2001, the boy from Mallorca turned professional. Aged 15, he won his first match at a Challenger tournament in Seville, Spain.

Nadal has won how many tennis titles?

Total Grand Slams: 22
ATP titles: 92
Australian Open: 2 (2009, 2022)
French Open: 14 (2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022)
Wimbledon: 2 (2008, 2010)
US Open: 4 (2010, 2013, 2017, 2019)
Olympic golds: 1 singles (2008), 1 doubles (2016)
Davis Cup: 5 (2004, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2019)

He was the world’s number one for how many weeks?

He was top-ranked for 209 weeks. Nadal was number one in the world at the end of 2008, 2010, 2013, 2017 and 2019.

What is Nadal’s career prize money?

He made a total of $134.9m.

When will Nadal play his last tournament?

Beginning on November 19, Spain will face them in the Davis Cup final.

What is Nadal’s most memorable tennis match?

The Wimbledon 2008 men’s singles final. One of the best matches the men’s sport has ever seen is his victory over grass court expert Federer at the All England Club. Nadal triumphed 6-4, 6-4, 6-7 (5), 6-7 (8), 9-7 after four hours and 48 minutes.

After the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships men’s singles final at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 6, 2008, Federer congratulates Nadal.

What was unique about Nadal’s game?

The left-handed baseline player had a strong forehand and incredible topspin revolutions, which gave him an advantage, especially in longer rallies. Nadal will perhaps be best known for his tenacity, tirelessness and near-perfect game on clay, which earned him the title “King of Clay”.

What will Nadal do next?

For starters, he will let his body heal from the 23-year rigours of professional tennis. Nadal can then shift his attention to his renowned tennis academy in Mallorca, which Toni Nadal and his uncle, Toni Nadal, largely run.

How did Federer react to Nadal’s retirement?

The Swiss tennis legend claimed that Rafa’s retirement would never come as he had hoped.

“What a career, Rafa! I always hoped this day would never come”, the 20-time Grand Slam winner, who retired two years ago, said in a post on social media.

“Thank you for the incredible accomplishments you made in the game we love,” he said. It’s been an absolute honor”!

The “Fedal” conflict lasted for almost 20 years and came to an emotional end at the Laver Cup in September 2022.

Nadal edged out Federer in their head-to-head contests 24-16, coming out 6-3 on top in their Grand Slam finals. As Federer scurried into retirement, the two clasped their hands and shed tears.