On October 10, Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal surprised many by announcing his impending retirement on social media, a move that felt both unexpected and yet somehow anticipated.
At 38 years old, Nadal has faced a barrage of injuries over the past two years. According to reports from Spanish media, he has dealt with 22 different injuries—both new and old—impacting various parts of his body including his wrist, shoulder, back, cervical spine, thighs, and knees.
Now, he has shared that he will retire after participating in next month’s Davis Cup, marking the end of an illustrious 24-year professional tennis career.
Nadal is one of the defining figures in men’s tennis, often mentioned alongside the retired Swiss icon Roger Federer and current star Novak Djokovic as part of the “Big Three.” Together, they have claimed a staggering 66 Grand Slam titles, with Nadal contributing 22 to that total, putting him second among male players, just behind Djokovic’s 24.
His distinctive playing style—characterized by powerful topspin, swift footwork, and unyielding determination—has made Nadal a formidable opponent, especially on clay courts, where he has consistently excelled.
In 2005, Nadal burst onto the scene at the French Open, winning the championship in his very first appearance. That iconic moment when he laid down on the red clay in celebration has become a hallmark of his career. Little did anyone know back then that he would replicate that “victory laydown” 14 times on the same court.
The French Open has witnessed Nadal’s journey from a promising young talent to a seasoned champion. It has observed the gradual thinning of his once-luxurious hair and the emergence of wrinkles on his face, alongside his evolution into a celebrated citizen of Paris. Through his performances, he has embodied the famous saying displayed in the stands of Roland Garros: “Victory belongs to the most resilient.”
Beyond his dominance on clay, Nadal has also claimed titles at three other Grand Slam tournaments: four at the US Open and two each at Wimbledon and the Australian Open. Moreover, he has secured both the singles gold and doubles gold at the Olympics, in Beijing 2008 and Rio 2016, respectively.
Nadal’s physically demanding style of play has inevitably taken a toll on his body, leading to numerous injuries. However, his relentless pursuit of victory on the court and his remarkable comebacks have earned him the moniker of “The Warrior.” In a recent ATP survey asking players who possesses the strongest willpower, nearly all responses pointed to one man: Nadal.
Arguably, the most notable demonstration of his tenacity came during the 2022 Australian Open final against Daniil Medvedev. In that match, Nadal found himself two sets down and trailing 2-3 in the third set, facing three break points. It seemed victory was slipping away. Yet, with the heart of a champion, he not only saved those break points but also turned the match around to win after an epic five-hour and 24-minute battle, defeating the ten-years-younger Medvedev.
On the court, Nadal is known for his fierce determination, but his “quirks”—such as his meticulous pre-serve routine and specific water bottle placements—have also become fan favorites, displaying an obsession that hasn’t waned with age. Viewers often chuckle at his water bottle setup, a ritual that he insists must be perfect.
Off the court, Nadal enjoys a more typical life, relishing the quieter moments away from tennis on the island of Mallorca. He spends time with family, fishing, and even cooking, admitting that some of his dietary habits aren’t particularly aligned with an athlete’s strict regimen.
His love for football, especially as an honorary member of Real Madrid, is well known. Nadal often showcases his football skills during training and even managed to catch the Champions League final in 2022 during a break at the French Open—though that excursion didn’t affect his successful title defense.
As Nadal poignantly stated in his retirement announcement video, “In life, every beginning has an end. I think the time is right for me to close the chapter on this long and much more successful tennis career than I ever imagined.”
While Nadal prepares to step away from the professional circuit, the world of tennis will carry on. His legacy will undoubtedly remain, and life for him will continue beyond the court.
