Fans around the world have been saddened by the announcement of Rafael Nadal, who will retire from professional tennis after the Davis Cup Finals next month. The former world number 1 is honored to be able to represent his country in Malaga, wanting to contribute to an event that has seen him as a great protagonist during his long career.
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The 22-time Grand Slam champion practiced hard in 2024 and tried to give himself one last chance to achieve great results, but his level was not enough to get to the bottom of the most prestigious tournaments. The Spanish legend was defeated in the first round at the French Open and in the second round at the Paris Olympics, where it took place the last official clash with his great rival Novak Djokovic. The two sacred monsters of the modern era also faced at the 'Six Kings Slam' in Saudi Arabia last Saturday, but it was only an exhibition match that does not fall into official statistics.
The 38-year-old from Manacor has realized that his body is no longer able to withstand certain stresses and does not want a secondary role, which is why his decision seems correct as painful. Rafa was not only one of the most beloved champions in the history of this sport, but he has been admired in every corner of the world for his fair play on the tennis court and his incredible ability to go beyond his limits.
Nicola Pietrangeli on Rafa
Hardly anyone thought his career would be so long, but the Spaniard has shocked the world many times by showing that limits are often only an illusion. The former world number 1 has received many tributes lately, a testament to how strong his influence has been over the last two decades.
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Italian legend Nicola Pietrangeli - who is 91 years old today, on 11 September - has also made a parallel between himself and the greatest player ever on red clay: Rafael Nadal. "I often hear many people telling me - says Pietrangeli - if you had trained more you would have won more. Its true, but I would have had much less fun!". And Pietrangeli also explains how in those years the sportsmen were not paid as it happens today.
"In those years there I was Rafael Nadal because beating me on the red clay was not easy, I assure you" - continues Pietrangeli. Among the many testimonies collected about Nicola is also Rafael Nadal himself to talk about the Italian tennis player. "Nicola was a great champion who did so much for the growth of tennis - explains Nadal - both on and off the court, in every respect."
"Nicola is a great talent, inspiration and personality," said Filippo Volandri, Davis Cup captain who last year led Italy to success in Davis after 47 years since the success of Pietrangelis Italy in 1976.
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An impressive journey
The 14-time French Open champion has been very good at improving his game over the years, becoming a very complete and versatile player in the last part of his career. Nadal has never been satisfied and this desire to improve allowed him to win even outside his beloved red clay. His amazing feat at the 2022 Australian Open, when he returned two sets to Russian ace Daniil Medvedev in the final, is destined to remain forever impressed in tennis history.
During a long interview with AS, the Spanish legendwas asked if he would win more Major titles without all the injuries he had: It may be, but... In the end its obvious that Ive missed more than all my rivals, as far as winning Grand Slams is concerned, but the reality is that it happened to me. I am never thinking 'if I would have' or 'if I wouldnt have' (those injuries). It has been so and, with it, I have had a career that I would never have imagined and I am more than happy. I have talked to Federer lately, with Carlos Alcaraz and his family here one morning the other day.
You want to be the best when youre competing, because thats the nature of sport. I have wanted to be the best or at least I have wanted to strive to try to be the best. But that has not led me to have an obsession ever for it. My illusion has always been as a personal challenge, to want to be the best for own motivation and improvement.I believe in having a good and big ambition, but at the same time healthy. And I said it the other day talking with Federer.
