Rafael Nadal announces retirement from professional tennis, will play last match at Davis Cup

Rafael Nadal will officially retire from professional tennis following the 2024 Davis Cup Finals in November, the 22-time Grand Slam champion revealed in a video posted to social media Thursday.

“The reality is that it has been some difficult years, these last two especially,” said Nadal. “I don’t 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 it’s the appropriate time to put an end to a career that has been long and much more successful than I could have ever imagined.”

Nadal had suggested he would make 2024 his final season on tour, but had been reluctant to make any official announcement to this point. The former world No. 1 was most recently on court at the Summer Olympic Games in Paris, where he played men’s singles and partnered countryman Carlos Alcaraz in men’s doubles.

“I am very excited that my last tournament will be the final of the Davis Cup and representing my country. I think I’ve come full circle, since one of my first great joys as a professional tennis player was the Davis Cup final in Seville in 2004,” recalled Nadal.

A 14-time champion at Roland Garros, Nadal turned pro in 2001 and has been part of what is considered by many to have been a golden era of men’s tennis, headlined by a Big 3 that includes himself, Roger Federer (who retired in 2022), and Novak Djokovic, who is currently competing at the Rolex Shanghai Masters this week.

“I feel super, super lucky for all the things I’ve 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.”

Nadal gave heartfelt thanks to his team and fans for their support throughout his career.

The Davis Cup finals, a team competition, will take place starting November 19.