For the first time in almost 35 years, Rafael Nadal does not have to think about daily tennis duties anymore! On Tuesday, the 22-time Major winner ended his incredible career at the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga. Rafa faced Botic van de Zandschulp and suffered a 6-4, 6-4 loss, calling it a career after 23 years.
Rafa returned to Mallorca on Wednesday, pronouncing his retirement with a big smile on his face. Never dreaming about achieving so much between 2005 and 2022, the Spaniard closed an important chapter of his life. At 38, he will focus on his family and tennis Academy while sharing his knowledge with the upcoming stars.
Rafael Nadal, 2024 Paris Olympics© Stream screenshot
Nadal’s post-retirement life
By ending his career, Rafa has opened new chapters of his life, leaving behind relentless demands of professional tennis. For nearly three decades, the legend had to think about rigorous practice schedules and grueling travel itineraries while feeling constant pressure to perform well every time.
Retirement offers a profound lifestyle shift, and the 22-time Major winner can now embrace more relaxed routine. For the first time, Nadal has freedom to spend uninterrupted time with his family, enjoy personal hobbies and simple pleasures of life. He can also prioritize his health without the urgency of recovery.
Rafa will stay connected with tennis through his Academy, inspiring future generations and extending his incredible tennis legacy.
🗣️”Estoy jubilado”
Las palabras de Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) tras su llegada a Mallorca#GraciasRafa
🔗https://t.co/JiSLVrhG2u pic.twitter.com/Nkus8JReTg
— Teledeporte (@teledeporte) November 20, 2024
Rafa’s final tennis chapter
Nadal claimed two Major titles in the first half of 2022. Instead of chasing the ATP throne at 36, he experienced injuries and never recovered his best tennis. The Spaniard injured his left hip at last year’s Australian Open, undergoing surgery and missing the rest of the year.
The legend returned in the first week of 2024 and embraced 20 singles duels this year. He claimed 12 wins but could not play competitive tennis on the most notable scene, especially in Paris. Rafa fell to Alexander Zverev at Roland Garros and suffered a loss to Novak Djokovic at the Olympic Games.
Rafael Nadal, Davis Cup Finals 2024© Stream screenshot
Nadal announced his retirement in October, citing the Davis Cup Finals as the last event of his career. Rafa stepped in for Spain against the Netherlands and faced Botic van de Zandschulp. The home favorite suffered a 6-4, 6-4 defeat in an hour and 52 minutes.
Rafa could not shift his positive training vibes to the official match. He suffered three breaks and stole the rival’s serve once, ending his career with only his second Davis Cup singles defeat. Van de Zandschulp performed better behind the first serve. He earned consecutive breaks and controlled the pace.
Rafael Nadal, Davis Cup Finals 2024© Stream screenshot
The servers played well at the beginning of the duel, providing eight holds and locking the result at 4-4. The Dutchman landed a smash winner in the eighth game and made a push in the next one. Botic created a break chance in the ninth game and converted it with a cracking backhand crosscourt winner.
The better-ranked player served for the opener at 5-4 and converted a set point with a service winner, building the advantage after 46 minutes. The veteran failed to convert a game point at the beginning of the second set. He suffered the second straight break, pushing his rival closer to the top.
Carlos Alcaraz & Rafael Nadal, Davis Cup Finals 2024© Stream screenshot
Nadal survived deuces on serve in the third game, closing it and reducing the deficit. Van de Zandschulp grabbed the fourth game and made another push on the return a few minutes later. The Dutchman seized the second break point with a forehand crosscourt winner, forging a 4-1 advantage.
Carried by the partisan crowd, Rafa finally made a push on the return in the sixth game. He pulled one break back and gained a boost before struggling behind the initial shot again at 2-4. He hit double faults and faced a break point. The legend denied it with a smash winner and held for 3-4.
Rafael Nadal, Davis Cup Finals 2024© Stream screenshot
Nadal claimed the opening two points of the eighth game, seeking another break and a comeback. However, Botic found his first serve and claimed four straight points for a hold and a 5-3 lead. Rafa served to prolong the match in game nine and landed three service winners.
He needed a fine performance on the return in the tenth game to stay in contention. Still, Botic fired a service winner at 30-30 for a match point and converted it with a forced error, scoring a notable victory and ending Nadal’s career.