This 2024 tennis season will, in reality, be Rafael Nadal’s final one on tour. And the Davis Cup Finals will probably be his final occasion.
Nadal introduced his retirement from tennis with a submit through social media on Thursday. He plans on taking part in for Spain, beginning with a quarterfinal tie towards the Netherlands, November 19-24 at house in Malaga earlier than calling it quits.
Nadal captured 22 Grand Slam titles, together with 14 French Opens. The 38-year-old is a two-time Olympic gold medalist, profitable one in singles (2008 Beijing) and one in doubles (2016 Rio de Janeiro with Marc Lopez). He’s additionally a four-time Davis Cup champion.
“I’m right here to let that I’m retiring from skilled tennis,” Nadal mentioned. “The fact is that it has been some troublesome years, these two particularly. I don’t assume I’ve been capable of play with out limitations. It’s clearly a troublesome choice, one which takes me a while to make.
“However on this life, the whole lot has a starting and an finish. And I believe it’s an acceptable time to place an finish to a profession that has been lengthy and way more profitable than I might have ever imagined.
“I’m very excited that my final match would be the closing of the Davis Cup and representing my nation. I believe I’ve come full circle since certainly one of my first nice joys as knowledgeable tennis participant was the Davis Cup closing in Sevilla in 2004. I really feel tremendous, tremendous fortunate for all of the issues I’ve been capable of expertise. I wish to thank all the tennis business.
“I really feel tremendous fortunate for all of the issues I’ve been capable of expertise. I wish to thank all the tennis business, all of the individuals concerned on this sport, my longtime colleagues, particularly my nice rivals. I’ve spent many, many hours with them, and I’ve lived many moments that I’ll bear in mind for the remainder of my life. Speaking about my group is somewhat bit tougher for me, as a result of ultimately, my group has been an important a part of my life. They’re not simply co-workers. They’re pals.
“And eventually, you the followers–I can’t thanks sufficient for what you’ve made me really feel. You give me the power I’ve wanted each second, actually.
“Every little thing I’ve skilled has been a dream come true. I go away with absolutely the peace of thoughts of getting given my finest, of getting made an effort in each approach I can solely finish by saying, a thousand because of you all. See you quickly.”
Nadal’s closing main triumph got here on the 2022 French Open. He has since been suffering from belly and hip accidents, alongside along with his continual foot drawback. Nadal has performed sparingly in 2024 however managed to make two appearances at Roland Garros, suiting up for each the French Open and the Paris Olympics.
Ricky contributes to 10sballs.com and likewise maintains his personal tennis web site, The Grandstand. You’ll be able to comply with him on Twitter at @Dimonator.
