Rafael Nadal announced that his professional career will end in 2024. The legendary Spanish tennis player, who will turn 37 on June 3 and who has not played a tournament since January, held a press conference at his academy in Manacor, Spain, to inform of his decision that has shaken the tennis world. "If I keep playing at this moment, I don't think I can be next year. My intention is that next year will be my last and I can play the tournaments I want to say goodbye to those who have left a mark on me," he said.
"What happens next year, I don't know. If I'm competitive again to win Grand Slams, I don't know, after an important break it's difficult, but why not. I'm going to try to give myself a chance to compete again and I intend to make it my last year. Then you don't know what might happen. I am going to try to make sure that my last year is not in vain, that I can compete at the highest level. To get to this tour and be able to compete to fight for them. Then we will have to wait to see the reality," continued the Spanish tennis player.
BREAKING: Rafa Nadal’s last season may be in 2024, but he can’t say 100%.
“My ambition is to try to stop to give myself an opportunity to enjoy next year. It’s probably gonna be my last year on the tour. I can’t say 100%.”
A true matador with a relentless heart. pic.twitter.com/5Gq7UsVoBp
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) May 18, 2023
Injuries: the major obstacle in his career
If anything, injuries have prevented him from extending his legendary career, causing him to say that 2024 could be his last year as a professional tennis player. Nadal confirmed that he will take a break for the rest of the season:
It has been a difficult year, although the victories mask it. I make a separate point. At this point, I'm not ready to compete at the level I need to. I have to punctuate my sports career. I will try to regenerate my body. I will not set a return date. When I am ready, I will try to be. The Davis Cup, at the end of the year, may be a goal. And try to face next year with guarantees, in what I think will be my last year.
With Rafa's Roland Garros participation uncertain, here's a look at all of Nadal's injuries over the years.
This man is an absolute warrior. Not just for playing through pain, but for conquering it in so many matches
Ask yourself this. How many slams would a healthy Nadal have? pic.twitter.com/82y4PkoNfY
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) May 17, 2023
Will not play Roland Garros this year
Undoubtedly, Nadal is one of the best tennis players in history thanks to an innate competitive gene. He has been most dominant on clay, having won 14 French Opens in 18 editions that he has played and numerous other tournaments on this surface.
Nadal also confirmed that he will not attend this year's edition of The French Open, which will begin on May 22. "If you're not happy, it ends up affecting your personal life. I was looking forward to playing in Paris, but it's not possible. I have not finished improving what I needed to compete at the level I need," he said.
Reactions to his retirement
Nadal has received praise from his peers throughout his career. As expected, his retirement announcement came as no exception. "Lots of encouragement Rafa! Very painful and sad for everyone that you can't be at Roland Garros or play anymore this year, but wishing that 2024 will be a great season for you and you can say goodbye as the great champion you are!" tweeted Spanish tennis player Carlos Alcaraz.
Muchísimo ánimo Rafa! ❤️ Muy doloroso y triste para todos que no puedas estar en Roland Garros ni jugar más este año, pero deseando que 2024 sea una gran temporada para ti y puedas despedirte como el gran campeón que eres! 🤝🏻 @RafaelNadal pic.twitter.com/KIfVSnRRS7
— Carlos Alcaraz (@carlosalcaraz) May 18, 2023
His favorite tournament, The French Open, also wanted to lavish praise on his greatest champion:
Rafa,
We can't imagine how hard this decision was. We'll definitely miss you at this year's Roland-Garros. Take care of yourself to come back stronger on courts.
Hoping to see you next year in Paris 🧡 pic.twitter.com/lTN3GExBFo
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 18, 2023
Second of the 'big three' to retire
In the last two decades, tennis fans have seen three players fight for every title and dominate the professional circuit: Rafa Nadal, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic. This "big three" have been titans on the court and given fans one of the best rivalries in any sport.
Nadal will be the second of the "big three" to retire. The first was Federer, who announced his departure from professional tennis on Sept. 15, 2022, after playing the Laver Cup. That tournament left fans with a photo for the history books: Nadal crying next to the Swiss tennis player after playing his last match.
After Nadal's retirement, only Djokovic will be left. The Serbian tennis player appears to be past the prime of his career, but it is never too late for him to exhibit the high level at which he has played over the years. It will come as a challenge, since a new generation of players has already begun to surprise the tennis world.
