Rafael Nadal announced today that the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga will be the last official event of his legendary team. The decision of the Spanish ace was not surprising, given the physical problems of the last two years and the poor results obtained in 2024. The 22-time Grand Slam champion has given his all to get back competitive this season, but he hasnt been able to play at the level he would have wanted. The former world number 1 has played his beloved French Open, where he raised the trophy 14 times, but his run in Paris ended already in the first round against Alexander Zverev.
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The legend from Manacor did not give up and practiced hard to get ready for the Olympics in Paris, where he played both singles and doubles together with his worthy heir Carlos Alcaraz. In singles he was eliminated by his eternal rival Novak Djokovic in the second round, while in doubles he stopped in the quarterfinals with some regrets.
A true legend
After the Olympic tournament, Nadal said he would take all the time necessary to reflect on his future. Fans and insiders knew it would be unlikely to see him on court even in 2025, as his body has sent him very clear signals recently. During his legendary career, Rafa won 92 ATP titles, 22 Major, two Olympic gold medals (one in singles and one in doubles), with a record of 1,080 wins and 227 losses.
Hello everyone, Im here to let you know that I am retiring from professional tennis, Nadal stated in a video posted on his social media. The reality is that is has been some difficult years, these last two especially. I dont think I have been able to play without limitations. It is obviously a difficult decision, one that has taken me some time to make. But in this life, everything has a beginning and an end. And I think its the appropriate time to put an end to a career that has been long and much more successful than I could have ever imagined.
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I am very excited that my last tournament will be the final of the Davis Cup and representing my country. I think Ive come full circle since one of my first great joys as a professional tennis player was the Davis Cup final in Seville in 2004. I feel super, super lucky for all the things Ive been able to experience. I want to thank the entire tennis industry. All the people involved in this sport, my long-time colleagues, especially my great rivals. I have spent many, many hours with them and I have lived many moments that I will remember for the rest of my life.
Talking about my team is a little bit more difficult for me because in the end, my team has been a very important part of my life. They are not just co-workers, they are friends. They have been by my side at all the times I have really needed them. Very bad moments, very good moments he concluded.
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Besides making the history of this sport thanks to his successes, Rafa has been an example of loyalty and determination for many athletes in all sports. His ability to improve and not give up despite numerous injuries is the basis of his incredible legacy. The 22-time Grand Slam champion will play the 'Six Kings Slam' in mid-October along with Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Daniil Medvedev and Holger Rune. To get in the best shape possible for the Davis Cup Finals in November, the Spanish ace may decide to add another tournament to his schedule.
Rafa's legacy
A few minutes after Rafas announcement, the message from his great rival Roger Federer arrived: "What a career, Rafa! I always hoped this day would never come. Thank you for the unforgettable memories and all your incredible achievements in the sport we love. It has been an absolute honor."
Nadal and Federer shared many special moments both on and off the tennis court. The Spaniard was present at the last match of King Rogers career at the O2 Arena in London, as the two legends played doubles together at the Laver Cup. The Swiss Maestro could be in Malaga in November to dedicate an amazing tribute to his great friend.
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According to Spanish captain David Ferrer, the 22-time Grand Slam champion could play the singles if he is in good condition. The legend from Manacor does not play an official match since the Paris Olympics this summer and its fitness status is very uncertain.
