MADRID — Rafael Nadal’s illustrious tennis career will be forever etched in history, not only for his staggering numbers —14 French Open titles, 22 Grand Slam championships, and nearly two decades in the top 10— but also for the intense rivalries and the indomitable spirit he brought to every match.

His relentless energy, dedication, and all-out effort on the court made him a force to be reckoned with, even as his body endured countless injuries.

Nadal's journey was never easy; his first appearance at Roland Garros was delayed by a year due to injury, and his final victory there was only made possible by painkilling injections. His physical style of play, though thrilling, came at a cost.

So, it wasn’t entirely surprising when Nadal, 38, finally announced his retirement on Thursday. After two seasons of limited competition, his body could no longer keep up. Yet, what’s truly remarkable is how long he lasted at the pinnacle of tennis.

Nadal confirmed that he will say his final farewell next month when he represents Spain in the Davis Cup finals.

“Everything I have experienced has been a dream come true,” Nadal said in a heartfelt video posted on social media.

Accompanied by clips from his career, including iconic handshakes with Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, Nadal exuded peace. “I leave with the absolute peace of mind of having given my best.”

Before speaking in the video, Nadal takes a deep breath—a pause that seemed to reflect the weight of the moment, making public what had perhaps been privately looming for some time.

His departure comes not long after Federer’s retirement at 41 in 2022, after 20 Grand Slam titles and many memorable matches against Nadal, most famously their 2008 Wimbledon final, often dubbed the greatest tennis match of all time.

Nadal triumphed 9-7 in the final set as daylight faded, a defining moment in their legendary rivalry.

Nadal’s rivalry with Djokovic, however, spanned even more matches —60 in total— with Djokovic narrowly leading 31-29. Their battles were a showcase of relentless, mirror-image intensity, and Djokovic captured the essence of Nadal’s legacy in a tribute. “Your tenacity, dedication, and fighting spirit will be taught for decades,” Djokovic wrote. “Your legacy will live forever. Thank you for pushing me to the very limit so many times.”

Djokovic also promised to be in Malaga, Spain, for Nadal’s Davis Cup “adios,” and Federer may well be there, too. After all, Nadal was present for Federer’s emotional farewell, when the two teamed up in doubles at the Laver Cup.

The world watched as they sat side by side, holding hands and shedding tears, a poignant symbol of the mutual respect that transcended their on-court rivalry.

“What a career, Rafa! I always hoped this day would never come,” Federer shared on social media. “Thank you for the unforgettable memories and all your incredible achievements. It’s been an absolute honor!”

Nadal’s departure feels like the closing chapter of a golden era in tennis. A few months after the Laver Cup, he injured his hip, requiring surgery in June 2023.

Despite attempts to recover, Nadal could never quite reclaim the form that made him the undisputed king of clay. His heavy topspin forehand, powerful two-handed backhand, and unyielding resilience earned admiration from peers and opponents alike.

Carlos Alcaraz, one of tennis’s rising stars, paid tribute to Nadal, saying, “Your legacy won’t be matched.”

Indeed, Nadal’s legacy is perhaps best symbolized by his dominance at the French Open, where he achieved an astonishing 112-4 win-loss record. His unparalleled success at Roland Garros was commemorated in 2021 with a larger-than-life steel statue outside Court Philippe Chatrier.

In May 2023, during a press conference at his academy in Manacor, Spain, Nadal announced that he would miss the French Open for the first time since his 2005 debut—a tournament he famously won.

Reflecting on the toll his career had taken, he said, “You can’t keep demanding more and more from your body, because there comes a moment when your body raises a white flag. Even though your head wants to keep going, your body says this is as far as it goes.”

And now, after giving tennis everything he had, Nadal’s journey comes to a close. His legacy, built on grit, humility, and extraordinary talent, will endure, inspiring future generations of players and fans alike. — Agencies