Rafael Nadal announced his retirement from professional tennis at the age of 38, bringing an end to an illustrious 23-year career.
Nadal’s remarkable journey, spanning over two decades, has left an indelible mark on the sport. With 22 Grand Slam titles, 36 ATP Masters 1000 titles, and 64 singles titles, he cemented his status as one of the greatest tennis players of all time.
Born in Manacor, Mallorca, Nadal began playing tennis at the age of three. Coached by his uncle, Toni Nadal, he turned pro in 2002 and quickly rose through the ranks.
Below are the highlights of his career:
- 13 French Open titles, a record
- 4 US Open titles
- 2 Wimbledon titles
- 1 Australian Open title
- Olympic gold medal (2008)
Nadal’s epic battles with Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Andy Murray defined an era. He was named ITF World Champion four times and ATP Player of the Year five times
As he embarks on his post-tennis journey, Nadal plans to focus on his tennis academy, philanthropic endeavors, and spending time with family.
As the tennis world bids farewell to an icon, Nadal’s unwavering dedication, unrelenting passion, and unmatched success will forever be etched in the annals of tennis history.
Timeline:
- 2002: Turned pro
- 2005: First Grand Slam title (French Open)
- 2010: Career Grand Slam
- 2023: Announces retirement