Among the most important events of 2024, there is undoubtedly the retirement of Rafael Nadal. The former world number 1 had long announced that this would be his last year, but many thought that the Spanish legend would convince himself to play some tournaments in 2025.
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Despite having practiced a lot in recent months and tried to be competitive again, the results obtained this season and the signals of his body convinced Rafa to say enough. The 38-year-old from Manacor made modern sport history and the knowledge that he could no longer win the most important titles helped him to make this very painful decision.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion - who recently played the 'Six Kings Slam' in Saudi Arabia - will play the last event of his career at the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga in November. It is not clear whether Nadal will be able to play in singlesor if he will only be deployed in doubles alongside Carlos Alcaraz, but it will still be an exciting time for all sports fans.
Thompson on beating Nadal
The Spaniards career has been longer than expected, considering that at various times injuries seemed to have cut him out of the fight for the big titles. Rafa has played few tournaments this year and not even his beloved red clay allowed him to shine again. Fans will remember that his 2024 started in Brisbane, with the loss to Jordan Thompson due to another physical problem. Nadal has missed the next Australian Open.
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During his press conference at the Rolex Paris Masters, Thompson recalled his amazing win over the Spaniard in the quarter-finals of the Brisbane ATP 250: Of course, Brisbane was the the most special moment, at the beginning of the year. I had the opportunity to face one of my idols, Rafael Nadal, in a quarter-final and home tour on a Friday night in Brisbane with the crowd in front of me. I know he was coming back from an injury, but beating Rafa is a victory that I will remember for the rest of my life. I still have to pinch myself one day when I think of the luck I have.
After another injury stop, the 14-time French Open champion returned to action in Madrid where he was defeated by Lehecka. Rafa was then given a hard lesson by Hubert Hurkacz in Rome, who had put all his difficulties on display. The former world number 1 hoped that the atmosphere of the French Open would help him in the tournament that made him a living legend. The draw was not favorable for Nadal, who had to face a tough player like Alexander Zverev. The Spaniard played a good match in relation to his current condition, but had to surrender to the German ace on the iconic Philippe Chatrier. After being eliminated in the first round at Roland Garros, Rafa did his best to get ready for the Olympic tournament in Paris.
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The legend from Manacor also played the ATP of Bastad before the Olympics, losing to Nuno Borges in the final. At the Paris Olympics, Rafa beat Marton Fucsovics in the first round before surrendering to his eternal rival Novak Djokovic. The 22-time Grand Slam champion also played in doubles with Alcaraz being eliminated in the quarterfinals.
Rafa's impact
During a recent interview with EFE, WTA star Paula Badosa paid tribute to her compatriot: Hes always been a person who has helped me a lot. When I was injured, during my recovery, he gave me advice, he was always there. Obviously I thought about sending him a message since his statement, but I also wanted to leave him alone because I know its a very intense moment and I dont like to invade spaces. Im going to wait a little, but obviously Im going to get in touch when the time comes and Ill thank him again for what hes done for me.
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Everyone hopes that Rafa will not leave the world of professional tennis after retiring. His legacy could be crucial for young players coming on the tour and it would be great to see him in a new guise. Nadal already has his own academy and a beautiful family to spend time with, but it would be a shame not to see him in the ATP tour tournaments.
Meanwhile, the 14-time French Open champion will enjoy his last professional player event in Malaga. If Spain were to triumph in November, it would certainly be one of the most beautiful stories of this millennium. Spains chances will depend a lot on the level of Carlitos Alcaraz.
