Tennis Legend Rafael Nadal Retires from the Sport (Sports)
November 19, 2024
Tennis legend Rafael Nadal played his final professional tennis match earlier today in Málaga, Spain in a Davis Cup quarterfinal matchup between Spain and the Netherlands. The dream scenario for Nadal, Spain, and many tennis fans was to see Nadal heading into retirement helping Spain to a Davis Cup victory in front of the home crowd, but Spain would end up losing to the Netherlands 1-2.
This was Nadal’s first competitive match since the Olympics, and he started in a singles match against Botic van de Zandschulp. Nadal had a strong start and moments throughout the match, but ultimately lost to the Dutchman 6-4, 6-4.
Nadal is one of the greatest tennis players of all time, and heads into retirement with 22 Grand Slams, including his dominance of Roland Garros with his 14 French Open singles titles, and a ton of other career wins and accomplishments.
Nadal during his final post match speech: “I want to be remembered as good person and a kid who followed their dreams and achieved more than I ever believed possible.”
1080 singles wins
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) November 19, 2024
912 consecutive weeks inside the Top 10
209 weeks as World No. 1
92 singles titles
63 singles titles on clay
36 Masters 1000s
30 Grand Slam finals
22 Grand Slam titles
14 Roland Garros titles
5-time year-end No. 1
2 Olympic gold medals
1 @RafaelNadal ✨ pic.twitter.com/uUAsqa00og
Rafa Nadal during his retirement speech:
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) November 19, 2024
“The titles, numbers, they’re there. People probably know that. The way I’d like to be remembered more is like a good person from a small village in Mallorca.” 🥹
pic.twitter.com/WzWoiKNfpY
Rafa, this is RIDICULOUS 🤯@DavisCup | #DavisCup | @RafaelNadal pic.twitter.com/A1FAs36RkV
— ATP Tour (@atptour) November 19, 2024
No one has given more to their sport. Or left it all on the court every single time. @RafaelNadal, you showed us what it takes to be the greatest. It only takes everything. pic.twitter.com/l2iBGF5yyQ
— Nike (@Nike) November 19, 2024