Rafael Nadal has taught many things to athletes in all sports over the last 20 years. Despite being plagued by injuries for most of his career, the Spanish legend never gave up and he played at the top level until he was 38. Almost no one could have imagined that Rafa would stay on the professional tour until 2024, having won two Grand Slam titles only two years ago. The former world number 1 has practiced hard to improve and complete his game, eventually becoming a very competitive player on all surfaces and able to beat even much younger players than him.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion’s career will end at the end of this month, during the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga. Nadal has done everything possible to further extend his career and looked like he could play some tournaments in 2025, but he realized that it would not make sense to squeeze his body further without the chance to fight for the big titles.
Rafael Nadal© Rafael Nadal/Instagram – Fair Use
The 38-year-old from Manacor has established himself as one of the best athletes of all time and his legacy is destined to last for many decades. Nadal had physical problems again this year and could not play as he would have liked, having to skip several tournaments during the year.
The 14-time French Open champion has not even shone in his favorite tournaments and it became clear to everyone that he could no longer compete for the goals that are his. Also, his body has sent clear signals to him over the last two years and Rafa has had no choice but to accept reality and communicate it to the whole world.
Guardiola loves Rafa
As already mentioned, the former world number 1 was not only a great tennis but also a model for all sports figures. Recently, Manchester City’s manager Pep Guardiola invited his players to be inspired by Rafa: “There are moments when injuries are [harmful] injuries and be careful but sometimes if you have problems you have to play.
Rafael Nadal, 2022 Roland Garros© Stream screenshot
Rafa Nadal played all of his career with pain. He played. And won I don’t know how many Grand Slams. You have to deal with it in modern football or you can’t sustain games every three days at a top club. Kevin is getting better. The last two, three days the doctor said to me that he made a step forward in terms of pain.
It depends on the players. There are players who say, ‘OK, I’m ready’ and there are players who have more tendency to get niggles with their history. There are the others who just go, go go – that it doesn’t matter what happens. It’s not because they are more or less focused. It’s that they can adapt to sustain incredible amounts of efforts every day more than the other ones.”
A role to be determined
Fans and insiders are wondering if the 22-time Grand Slam champion will be the protagonist in Malaga, or whether it will be content to have a second-rate role. Given his level during 2024, the most likely hypothesis is that the Spanish player will only play doubles in the last event of his legendary career.
Nadal said he will try to make it to the Davis Cup Finals in the best possible shape and that he will assess his condition only at the end of the event, but he will hardly be able to play in singles. Everyone’s hope is that Rafa will be competitive enough to play in doubles with his young compatriot and heir Carlitos Alcaraz.
Nadal© Nadal Facebook/Fair Use
The two Spanish champions have already played together at the Paris Olympics this summer, reaching the quarterfinals before losing to Americans Ram and Krajicek. After Nadal’s announcement, Alcaraz paid tribute to his compatriot: “I watched Rafael Nadal’s matches since I started playing. I look up to him. I grew up watching him… He was my idol. He’s still my idol. It’s a shame he announced he’s retiring.
A really important person for my life, for my career. Rafael Nadal was one of the reasons I wanted to become a tennis player. Knowing he’s retiring is tough for everyone. For me. It’s a privilege playing against him once again. It’s gonna be tough for me. I’ll enjoy sharing the court with him once again. It’s really difficult for everyone.”
Spain is one of the top favorites to lift the trophy in Malaga, although it will have to pay attention especially to Italy. Defending champions will have world number 1 Jannik Sinner and very dangerous players in indoor conditions (like Matteo Berrettini and Lorenzo Musetti).