In a moving moment, Spain tennis legend Rafael Nadal recently announced ·that he will retire from professional tennis. His final match will be played in next month's Davis Cup, where he will represent his country in Spain's colours. The 38-year-old revealed the decision in his video message, expressing his emotion and gratitude for his career.
Nadal has had an illustrious career, winning 22 Grand Slam titles, including 14 French Opens, and becoming the undisputed king of clay. In the video, he said: "Hello everyone. I'm here to let you know that I'm retiring from professional tennis. Reflecting on the difficult years of the past, especially the last two years of injury, he admitted, "I don't think I can play without restrictions. He added: "It was a difficult decision, but I think now is the right time to end my career. ”
Nadal's career has been hampered by injuries, and in 2023 he missed the French Open and was defeated in the first round by Germany's Alexander · Zverev. Despite this, he won his last French Open title in 2022 and has an impressive career record, leaving the court with a 112-4 record.
Nadal's success was particularly evident in the era of tennis dominance with Federer, Djokovic and Murray. His fight with Federer became a classic in tennis history, and Nadal also looked emotional at Federer's retirement ceremony in 2022. "I'm very lucky with everything I've been through," he said. ”
As for the upcoming Davis Cup, Nadal said he was "very excited" about it. He recalls winning the Davis Cup 20 years ago as a member of the Spain team, which he considers to be a happy ending to his career. "I think I've come full circle since one of my first great joys as a professional tennis player was the Davis Cup final in Seville in 2004," he said. ”
In the video, Nadal also thanked his team and fans, saying: "I leave with absolute peace of mind because I gave my best and worked hard in every way. I can only say a thousand thanks, see you soon. ”
Nadal's retirement undoubtedly marks the end of a great era. He has set many records in his career, including a 314-44 winning percentage in Grand Slam tournaments and winning at least one Men's Singles Grand Slam title in 15 seasons. He has a 90.5% win rate on clay, making him a legend of the Open era.
With Nadal's retirement, the tennis world has lost a great athlete, but his achievements and impact will forever be etched in history. Fans are looking forward to his final game in the Davis Cup, but also hope that he will continue to bring inspiration and excitement to the rest of his life.
Nadal's career review
Rafael· Nadal, Novak· Djokovic and Roger ·Federer are the only three players in the Open era to have played in a Grand Slam tournament and won more than 300 men's singles matches. Nadal holds a career record of 314-44 in Grand Slam tournaments.
Nadal is the only player to have won at least one men's singles Grand Slam title in 15 seasons, with Novak · Djokovic ranked second with 13 seasons.
Nadal is the only player in the Open era to have won one or more men's singles Grand Slam titles in 10 consecutive seasons (2005 to 2014).
Nadal has won the most Grand Slam titles without dropping a set, achieving this feat four times at Roland Garros in 2008, 2010, 2017 and 2020.
Nadal has won 39 consecutive matches at the French Open, with only Björn· Borg at Wimbledon (41) and Roger ·Federer (40 games per game) at the US Open and Wimbledon winning more consecutive Grand Slam tournaments in a single Grand Slam tournament in the Open era.
Nadal has won 63 titles on clay in his career, more than any other player in the Open era.
His 90.5% (484-51) win rate on clay is the best of any player on any individual court in the Open era.
Nadal won 81 consecutive clay court victories between 2005 and 2007 – the most matches won by a player on a single court in the Open era.