World sport says goodbye to another colossus with whom we were lucky enough to be contemporaries. Because, today, Rafael Nadal (Spain, 38 years old) announced his retirement from the ATP circuit. It’s a decision that the “Matador” made, after the multiple injuries he faced, especially in the last two seasons.
Rafael Nadal. PHOTO: The Truth Archive
In fact, precisely for this reason, Rafa played very little: he had four matches in 2023 (1 win, 3 losses) and 19 matches this year (12 wins, 7 failures). His last appearance on the court was on July 29, when he was defeated by his great rival, Novak Djokovic, in the second round at the Paris Olympics: 1-6, 4-6. That defeat, coming on clay at Roland Garros, confirmed, once again, that Nadal can no longer be competitive, even on his favorite surface.
He will perform in one more competition
According to Agerpres, Nadal, winner of 22 Grand Slam titles, stated that the last competition in his career will be the final tournament of the Davis Cup, which will take place in Malaga between November 19 and 24.
Rafael Nadal’s message, transmitted on the X platform
*I am here to tell you that I am leaving professional tennis. It has been a difficult few years, especially the last two. It’s a difficult decision. I think the time is right to end what has been a long and far more successful career than I could have ever imagined.
