Tennis legend Rafael Nadal revealed in an emotional video posted to social media on October 10 that he would be retiring from the sport he’s loved his whole life. The clip, which is five-minutes in length was recorded in his original language of Spanish and features him taking time to reflect back on his lengthy career and to prepare his fans for his departure from the world of tennis.
“The reality is that it has been some difficult years, especially these last two,” he revealed, according to The Daily Caller. “I don’t think I have been able to play without limitations. It is obviously a difficult decision and one that has taken me some time to make. But, in this life, everything has a beginning and an end.”
“And I think it’s an appropriate time to put an end to a career that has been long and much more successful than I could have ever imagined,” Nadal added.
Mil gracias a todos
Many thanks to all
Merci beaucoup à tous
Grazie mille à tutti
谢谢大家
شكرا لكم جميعا
תודה לכולכם
Obrigado a todos
Vielen Dank euch allen
Tack alla
Хвала свима
Gràcies a tots pic.twitter.com/7yPRs7QrOi— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) October 10, 2024
Nadal, 38, won his very first Grand Slam when he was just a teenager, taking the victory in the French Open only two days after his 19th birthday. And that was only the beginning. The legendary tennis master would go on to win the tournament a record total of 14 times throughout his career. Impressive does not even begin to cover it. Nadal has also won the Australian Open twice and the U.S. Open four times. In both 2008 and 2010 he won Wimbeldon. There’s not much he hasn’t accomplished.
Nadal told fans he would officially hang up his racket after competing in the Davis Cup in Malaga, Spain, in November. He told fans how meaningful that last match is for him. “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 Sevilla in 2004,” Nadal said, as footage of him taking the title took over the screen.
The tennis star was visibly emotional as he said, “I feel super, super lucky for all the things I’ve been able to experience.” “I have lived many moments that I will remember for the rest of my life,” Nadal continued. Nadal thanked his team for their support and gave credit to his wife of 19 years, while images of their young son flashed on the screen, showing the more personal side of his life.
The clip also included snippets and some highlights from his career, along with a goodbye message to his supporters.
“I can’t thank you enough for what you have made me feel. You have given me the energy I have needed at every moment,” he remarked. “Really, everything I have experienced has been a dream come true. I leave with the absolute peace of mind of having given my best, of having made an effort in every way,”
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