Spanish tennis superstar Rafael Nadal, who has 22 Grand Slam titles to his name, is retiring after more than two decades in the sport.
Nadal made the announcement on October 10 in an emotional video on social media.
The famous player began, “Hello everyone. I am here to inform you that I have retired from professional tennis.” “The truth is, there have been some difficult years, especially these last two years. I don't think I could play without limitations.”
“Of course it's a difficult decision, it took me a while to make it. But everything in this life has a beginning and an end. And I think it's the right time to end a career that has been much more successful than I could have ever imagined,” he continued.
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While it's certainly sad news for some, Nadal sees this as the start of a new chapter. He announced that his last time on the field would be at the Davis Cup final next month.
“I am very excited that my last tournament will be the Davis Cup final and I will represent my country. I think I have come full circle as one of my first great joys as a professional tennis player was the Davis Cup final in Seville in 2004,” he reflected.
“I feel super, super lucky for everything I've been able to experience,” she concluded. “I want to thank the entire tennis industry, everyone involved in this sport, my long-time colleagues, especially my great rivals. I spent many hours with them and experienced many moments that I will not forget for the rest of my life.”
He thanked his team and loved ones, including his parents, sister, wife and two-year-old son, as well as his uncle, tennis coach Toni Nadal, who he said inspired him to start playing tennis.
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Nadal left tennis with many other accolades, including 22 Grand Slam titles and two Olympic gold medals. His career will officially end after he plays for Spain in the Davis Cup finals from 19 to 24 November.