Fans are very disappointed that Rafael Nadal has announced his decision to retire from the Davis Cup Finals, which will be played in Malaga in November. The former world number 1 had announced that 2024 would be the last year of his incredible career, but he did not close the door to the chance to play some tournaments in 2025.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion had not wanted to receive any tribute in Rome or especially at the Roland Garros, opening up the possibility of returning in 2025 for the last dance. His disappointing results at Roland Garros and the Paris Olympics convinced him to end his career, knowing that he would no longer be able to fight for the top titles.
Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal© X screenshot
The 14-time French Open champion played his young compatriot Carlos Alcaraz at the ‘Six Kings Slam’ in Saudi Arabia, giving the crowd a good performance while losing in two sets. Rafa will face his eternal rival Novak Djokovic in the final for third and fourth place, in what should be the last clash of a rivalry that has marked tennis history.
Djokovic has spoken some beautiful words about the Spanish legend and has already announced that he will be in Malaga in November to celebrate his career. The fans’ hope was that Nadal would try to play some tournaments on red clay next year, if his body allowed it. The Spaniard – however – has made it impossible for him to play without limitations.
Rafa is convinced
During a long interview in Saudi Arabia, the Spaniard explained why he decided to end his amazing career: “I have postponed my decision a bit longer. They were going to hold farewell ceremonies for me in Rome and Paris, but I decided not to have them because I had no need to force myself into anything. I wanted to give myself the time I considered necessary to see how my body evolved after a difficult operation like the one I had in the hip. It’s a very simple matter, I am not burned out or tired of my sport. My body does not respond to me as I need it to in order to compensate me for continuing to do what I do, but I am happy, I enjoy playing tennis.”
He continued: ”I am not able to do it continuously at the level and standards that compensate and motivate me. To come to that conclusion, I had to let some time pass and I think it was something I needed. I am not going to retire from something I have been doing all my life and that I enjoy doing with the doubt of waiting a little longer. Today, I am convinced of it.”
Rafael Nadal, Six Kings Slam 2024© Stream screenshot
Nobody imagined that Rafa’s career would be so long, especially because of his very demanding style of play and the numerous injuries that have put his body to the test. The last two years have been particularly complicated for the legend from Manacor, who could not play as and how much he would have wished.
The last clash with Nole
The last part of his career was reminiscent of that of his great rival Roger Federer, who retired from the Laver Cup two years ago due to a serious knee injury. Although he is sorry to have to retire, Nadal is ready to start his second life with his family who supported him all these years. The former world number 1 has many passions outside of tennis and fans hope he stays in close contact with this sport. A legend of his caliber could help young tennis players a lot.
Carlos Alcaraz & Rafael Nadal, Six Kings Slam 2024© Stream screenshot
After his match against Alcaraz, the 22-time Grand Slam champion spoke about his son: “Well I don’t think I’m great. Since he arrived to the world I lost more than I won but at the same time having him here helps all the tough moments I’ve been through the last couple of years. He behaves very well even when it’s late. I’m happy.
I would love to play a little bit longer and give him a memory of myself playing tennis. That’s what will be the ideal thing for me and for my wife and family. Probably I will not be able to make that happen. But at least I’m happy to have a great team and family and friends around me during all my life that helped me in every single way of being happy. To have Novak in front of me, it’s like a nostalgic thing. We’ve played each other a lot, so it’ll be fun to play each other again in this match.”