Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal, one of the sport’s greatest athletes of all time, announced his retirement on Thursday.
Nadal, 38, uploaded a four-and-a-half-minute video to X explaining his decision to step away from tennis. He said injuries have greatly limited him in the last two years, impacting his play.
“In this life, everything has a beginning and an end,” Nadal said. “And I think it’s the appropriate time to put an end to a career that has been long and much more successful than I ever could have imagined.”
Throughout his career, Nadal has faced various injuries, particularly to his knees and wrists. He turned professional at 15 and quickly gained attention in junior tournaments. By 2003, he was already making waves on the ATP Tour.
Known particularly for his dominance on clay courts, Nadal earned the nickname “The King of Clay.” He is second all-time in men’s Grand Slam titles with 22, two behind Novak Djokovic. Former tennis star and fellow legend of the sport, Roger Federer, finished his illustrious career with 20 Grand Slam titles.
“I want to thank the entire tennis industry and all of the people involved in the sport; especially my great rivals,” Nadal said. “I have spent many, many hours with them, and I have lived many moments that I will remember for the rest of my life.”
Nadal won a record 14 French Open championships, four at the U.S. Open, two at Wimbledon and two Australian Open titles.
He’s been revered for his philanthropic efforts outside of the sport. He established the Rafa Nadal Foundation, which focuses on social integration through sport, particularly for underprivileged children.
