Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal officially retired from professional tennis Tuesday following a loss to the Netherlands in Spain’s quarter-final defeat at the Davis Cup.
During his final match, Nadal fought back tears as he delivered an emotional, nearly 15-minute speech to thank fans for their unwavering support throughout his career.
“I leave the sport with peace of mind, knowing that I’ve left a legacy—both sporting and personal—that I can be proud of,” Nadal said.
The ceremony, which followed his exit from the tournament, saw fans chanting his name as a video tribute played, showcasing highlights from Nadal’s over 20-year career. The video included messages from current and former tennis stars, as well as athletes from other sports.
Nadal, 38, won 22 Grand Slam singles titles, with his first victory at age 19. Alongside rivals Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, he formed the iconic ‘Big Three’ of modern tennis.
In October, Nadal announced that the 2024 season would be his final year, citing his body’s inability to keep up with the demands of elite competition.
