22-Time Grand Slam Champion Rafael Nadal, 38, to Retire After November's Davis Cup Finals

Oct 10, 2024, 11:18 AM

Rafael Nadal, the 22-time Grand Slam champion and one of the greatest tennis players of all time, announced his retirement from professional tennis at the age of 38 via an emotional video message. Nadal stated that the upcoming Davis Cup Finals in Malaga, Spain, in November will be his final tournament. He thanked fans in 12 languages on social media. The decision comes after persistent injury problems that have limited his participation to only 23 matches over the past two years. Nadal's illustrious career includes 14 French Open titles, 92 ATP titles, 36 Masters titles, and two Olympic gold medals. He has been ranked world No.1 for 209 weeks. Nadal is the seventh man in history to complete a career Grand Slam and the second to achieve a career Golden Slam in singles. Known as the "King of Clay," his retirement marks the end of an era in tennis.