Rafael Nadal has announced his retirement from tennis

[MargaretMcAleer]

He did put that one in as a combo with the Final. Another heroic effort.

This should be the full match, though youtube also has shorter highlights.

Thanks I must of missed Tented post

 

[the AntiPusher]

Yes, we suffered through that match together, maybe like no other. But, as @tented said above, this is why he put it as his #2 of Rafa's great wins...because it was an absolutely heroic effort. And look at the score in the 5th: 7-5. Medvedev didn't give up. I think Rafa even had a break in the 5th, and Daniil got it back.

When Rafa lost the 2nd set, which he really should have won, having a break lead, and then a lead in the TB, we were all quite deflated. It is kind of you to remember that I was the one who never gave up the faith, but that was a front, as I have said...not actual belief. As I've said, we all process stress differently, and I simply couldn't stay up all night to keep watching that match without some manufactured belief. Rafa was on the razor's edge of losing that match, especially from 3 BP's down in the 3rd, as per above. Nothing about winning that match was easy, and he just gutted it out. That's why many people say, "One player to play for your life," they'd pick Rafa.

No wonder Medvedev has never really recovered from that loss. Sometimes I feel like I still haven't recovered from that match.

Sis Moxie and Tented @Moxie @tented remember how it felt when we watched the 2012 AO. That had to be the worst feeling I have ever endured because we were right there for close to 6 hours on line. I felt so drained I just wanted to go for a long walk. I was living in Georgia at the time and could have walked to the nearest body of water, the Atlantic Ocean via Florida. I think the tennis gods felt compelled to give the long suffering Rafa fans that victory in 2022. Yes, I have stated that Rafa sold his soul that day (the curse of Johnny Favorite) and it appeared to be true!

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Yes, we suffered through that match together, maybe like no other. But, as @tented said above, this is why he put it as his #2 of Rafa's great wins...because it was an absolutely heroic effort. And look at the score in the 5th: 7-5. Medvedev didn't give up. I think Rafa even had a break in the 5th, and Daniil got it back.

When Rafa lost the 2nd set, which he really should have won, having a break lead, and then a lead in the TB, we were all quite deflated. It is kind of you to remember that I was the one who never gave up the faith, but that was a front, as I have said...not actual belief. As I've said, we all process stress differently, and I simply couldn't stay up all night to keep watching that match without some manufactured belief. Rafa was on the razor's edge of losing that match, especially from 3 BP's down in the 3rd, as per above. Nothing about winning that match was easy, and he just gutted it out. That's why many people say, "One player to play for your life," they'd pick Rafa.

No wonder Medvedev has never really recovered from that loss. Sometimes I feel like I still haven't recovered from that match.

Well front or not Moxie you gave me some belief lol! agree Rafa should have won that 2nd set, it is a final I will never forget and I dont think any of Rafa's fans will either, though my hubby watched till the 3rd set and went to bed and said to me dont worry Rafa will win? I replied Whatever, I was in no mood after the 3rd set to hear that rubbish lol! of course little did I know he would win in 5 sets

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Sis Moxie and Tented @Moxie @tented remember how it felt when we watched the 2012 AO. That had to be the worst feeling I have ever endured because we were right there for close to 6 hours on line. I felt so drained I just wanted to go for a long walk. I was living in Georgia at the time and could have walked to the nearest body of water, the Atlantic Ocean via Florida. I think the tennis gods felt compelled to give the long suffering Rafa fans that victory in 2022. Yes, I have stated that Rafa sold his soul that day (the curse of Johnny Favorite) and it appeared to be true!

I had no carpet left in my hallway from pacing up and down and swearing, and also being live on the Live Chat with Tented and Moxie lol!

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

You know looking back at some of those 'epic matches' with Rafa I would not change a single thing, it made me appreciate him more as an incredible athlete and the best competitor in any sport I have witnessed.

 

[Jelenafan]

The 5 set victory over Theim at the 2018 USO QF after being bageled in the first set is my most memorable latter day Nadal match.

 

[Kieran]

Sis Moxie and Tented @Moxie @tented remember how it felt when we watched the 2012 AO. That had to be the worst feeling I have ever endured because we were right there for close to 6 hours on line. I felt so drained I just wanted to go for a long walk. I was living in Georgia at the time and could have walked to the nearest body of water, the Atlantic Ocean via Florida. I think the tennis gods felt compelled to give the long suffering Rafa fans that victory in 2022. Yes, I have stated that Rafa sold his soul that day (the curse of Johnny Favorite) and it appeared to be true!

The antidote to that match was at RG 2013. Of course, in Paris Rafa should have wrapped it up in 4, but he got it done more dramatically in five.

I still have bad days thinking of the AO 2012 match. I watch that point and if he plugged it, he wins, maybe 6-2. There was nothing else lacking. Kudos to Action Man Hair for hanging on, and kudos also to Rafa for recovering from it in the next few slam matches between them…

 

[the AntiPusher]

They say similar minds think a like..

Toni Nadal names the worst loss of Rafael Nadal's career which he's never been able to watch back

'I left devastated...'

www.thetennisgazette.com

When Toni stated how devastating the 2012 AO final loss was for both of them, it puts it all in perspective. His injuries were very severe meaning he had to battle the opposition, the court conditions, his nerves and forcing his body parts past his limits to compete at such a God like level to produce what we saw. Remember, it was always Rafa had to play himself into getting the feel of the ball whereas some players could roll out of bed to be at their peak levels. These statements will not resonate with a non Rafa fan but the tennis purist it will. We will always look back to say, Novak and Roger were Rafa's greatest rivals but in essence it was father time. We know now Rafa won that battle vs FT and we have our everlasting memories as the evidence..

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

They say similar minds think a like..

Toni Nadal names the worst loss of Rafael Nadal's career which he's never been able to watch back

'I left devastated...'

www.thetennisgazette.com

I agree with Toni I was live at the final at the AO, it ended up like a 'boxing match' Rafa had his chances to win, had BP if my memory serves me correct had the open court and hit a shot right back in the direction of you know who, I wanted to die there and then Pfft. It wasnt good quality tennis at all, I just wanted it to end!
Back to watching 2 finals at once, I am going cross eyed

 

[the AntiPusher]

I agree with Toni I was live at the final at the AO, it ended up like a 'boxing match' Rafa had his chances to win, had BP if my memory serves me correct had the open court and hit a shot right back in the direction of you know who, I wanted to die there and then Pfft. It wasnt good quality tennis at all, I just wanted it to end!
Back to watching 2 finals at once, I am going cross eyed

This is how I recall the point.. Rafa was up 30-15, had a ball in front court. Rafa guided his bh ball down the line instead of the higher percentage shot to go directly at Novak's body. I think he and Toni knows he should have taken Novak's body apart yet he also missed the dtl back hand wide because he pushed the ball instead of ripping it. That's why Rafa was so devastated which changed the match. I have Never seen it again but I'm quite sure that's is what happened.. This changed the match completely. The good thing is Rada has atone for that loss but unfortunately he wasn't able to secure the W that night. It wasn't meant to be. As a competitor he knows it comes with the territory but he still does not have to endure it again. Burn that match tape! !

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

This is how I recall the point.. Rafa was up 30-15, had a ball in front court. Rafa guided his bh ball down the line instead of the higher percentage shot to go directly at Novak's body. I think he and Toni knows he should have taken Novak's body apart yet he also missed the dtl back hand wide because he pushed the ball instead of ripping it. That's why Rafa was so devastated which changed the match. I have Never seen it again but I'm quite sure that's is what happened.. This changed the match completely. The good thing is Rada has atone for that loss but unfortunately he wasn't able to secure the W that night. It wasn't meant to be. As a competitor he knows it comes with the territory but he still does not have to endure it again. Burn that match tape! !

I have the tape at home, which I never had watched again, being there live was bad enough, I have no plans to watch it again.

 

[Kieran]

This is how I recall the point.. Rafa was up 30-15, had a ball in front court. Rafa guided his bh ball down the line instead of the higher percentage shot to go directly at Novak's body. I think he and Toni knows he should have taken Novak's body apart yet he also missed the dtl back hand wide because he pushed the ball instead of ripping it. That's why Rafa was so devastated which changed the match. I have Never seen it again but I'm quite sure that's is what happened.. This changed the match completely. The good thing is Rada has atone for that loss but unfortunately he wasn't able to secure the W that night. It wasn't meant to be. As a competitor he knows it comes with the territory but he still does not have to endure it again. Burn that match tape! !

He had a wide open down the line shot and he bunched it. It was a gimme. If it was golf, Jack Nicklaus would pick the ball up and hand it to you, without you ever having to even address the ball. He chose the right shot but nervously, he tried to make it too perfect. If he’d stepped aside and let me hit it for him, with a pint of Guinness in one hand and a bag of chips in the other, the umpire would be calling the score soon after: 40-15.

If he’d gone for the body shot, it would have been an admission of nerves and energised Novak…

 

[Jelenafan]

He had a wide open down the line shot and he bunched it. It was a gimme. If it was golf, Jack Nicklaus would pick the ball up and hand it to you, without you ever having to even address the ball. He chose the right shot but nervously, he tried to make it too perfect. If he’d stepped aside and let me hit it for him, with a pint of Guinness in one hand and a bag of chips in the other, the umpire would be calling the score soon after: 40-15.

If he’d gone for the body shot, it would have been an admission of nerves and energised Novak…

Not if Rafa had hit him square in the huevos. ; )

 

[the AntiPusher]

He had a wide open down the line shot and he bunched it. It was a gimme. If it was golf, Jack Nicklaus would pick the ball up and hand it to you, without you ever having to even address the ball. He chose the right shot but nervously, he tried to make it too perfect. If he’d stepped aside and let me hit it for him, with a pint of Guinness in one hand and a bag of chips in the other, the umpire would be calling the score soon after: 40-15.

If he’d gone for the body shot, it would have been an admission of nerves and energised Novak…

Good point, I'm sticking to the body shot because at the end of the match anything to throw off an opponent concentration is paramount. It's not gentleman's tennis but it's not cheating.

 

[tented]

Here it is, for those who can stomach watching it again. I have it set to begin at that point.

 

[Jelenafan]

Here it is, for those who can stomach watching it again. I have it set to begin at that point.

Tented, you had to go there,

Are you both a Sadist (toward us) and a Masochist ( for your self)??!!

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Kieran

You were right, Rafa botched his shot down the line, most days he could have closed out that shot with his eyes closed, though I guess at that point in the match and how long the match was going for, fatique set in, mentally,
As I said the it wasnt good tennis, being there live I just wanted it to end.It is a match I wont be re-visiting in full any time soon as AP said " burn the tape"

 

[tossip]

There are great tennis players, and then there is Rafa.

There are warriors and then there is Rafa.

More than a fighter of indomitable will, Rafa personified the fighting spirit itself.

Yes..there will never be a unique character like Rafa,quirks and all , a gladiator with so much passion and an indomitable spirit.

 

[tented]

Translation of an article Toni Nadal wrote for El Pais:

The inevitable moment we all hoped would never come has arrived. Last Thursday, at 11 a.m., Rafael released a video announcing his decision to withdraw from competition, marking the end of his professional tennis career. He also shared that the chosen setting for his farewell would be the Davis Cup Finals, scheduled to take place this November in Málaga.

For months, he delayed this decision, even though he knew it had to be made sooner rather than later. It wasn’t easy for him to close such a significant chapter of his life and step away from something he had done successfully since childhood, for as long as he could remember. In his case, there was also a particular circumstance that caused him to extend his farewell.

Rafael learned to live with pain for many years, mastering it on numerous occasions and, saw how despite his doubts and uncertainties, he often emerged not only victorious but stronger. This was one of the reasons he repeatedly postponed his carefully considered decision. It is well known that he is used to fighting until the very end, as he did in many matches when the odds were clearly against him, finding it difficult to concede defeat. In the last two years, he has simply continued his usual pattern of giving himself every possible chance — driven more by faith than logic. Ultimately, he has only agreed to accept the undeniable reality when it became clear that his body could no longer give any more.

Today, I can say with certainty that Rafael has fulfilled the promise he made to me a few years ago during a conversation at a club. I told him that a well-known former tennis player had once confided in me his dissatisfaction with his career — not because he hadn’t won more titles, but because of his lack of perseverance. Concerned, I urged my nephew not to make the same mistake. With more determination than I expected, Rafael responded, “Relax, Toni. When I go, it will be with the peace of mind that I gave it everything.”

Now, after a few days, as I face the impossible task of putting my feelings about his retirement into words, my mind fills with nostalgic images — memories of moments lived and shared by Rafael’s side.

What it has meant to me, from the early days of his tennis journey — when I watched him, racket in hand, pacing restlessly around the Manacor Tennis Club, eager for his turn to train with me — until his final strokes on the court, when I watched with concern as neither his shots nor his legs responded with the same freshness and strength as before, is beyond what words can express. Everything that has transpired between those distant years and this final chapter, from his first victories in youth tournaments that hinted at what was to come, to his last great triumphs in Melbourne and Paris, feels like the realization of an almost perfect dream.

Those were intense years in which I had the privilege of experiencing incredible moments alongside him: his first Davis Cup final in Seville as an unexpected debutant, his first French Open title in 2005, and his victory at Wimbledon in 2008, in a legendary final against Roger Federer, widely regarded as the best in history. But there were also challenging moments, such as the diagnosis of his congenital injury in 2005 — a sword of Damocles that forced him to live with pain and uncertainty. These trials helped him forge an even stronger character and caused him great suffering, though they rarely led to discouragement or complaints. For us, it would have been ungrateful to give in to either. In difficult times, I often repeated a phrase I’ve mentioned here before: “Rafael, life has treated us better than we expected and far better than we deserved.”

Rafael’s career has been incredibly successful, far surpassing my expectations, even though I always had unwavering faith in him. This success — his remarkable track record — has earned him the admiration and valuable support of countless fans. But what has truly garnered him such widespread respect and recognition, even beyond the stands, is not just the number of titles he has won. It’s the fact that he built his achievements on a foundation of strong values, and his ability to uphold them throughout his career: his integrity, his exemplary behavior in both victory and defeat, the passion he brought to every match, and his unwavering commitment to the sport and everything surrounding it. He embraced adversity and found ways to overcome it, and above all, he always showed respect for his rivals, regardless of their stature — even when some of them dealt him the most painful defeats of his career.

There are athletes who, due to their exceptional abilities, have become leaders in their disciplines; others who have magnified and even transcended their own sports; and only a few who, through their attitude and actions, have moved beyond the realm of sports to become leaders in society. I believe, without fear of being mistaken and fully prepared to accept any criticisms that may come my way as his uncle, that my nephew, like his greatest rival for many years, Roger Federer, belongs to the latter category.

Starting in November, the trophies that rest in the showcases of his Academy’s museum in Manacor will gradually lose their shine and splendor. However, I have no doubt that Rafael will always cherish and greatly value his most precious reward: the immense affection and appreciation of the people in our country and many others around the world.

All that remains is for me to bid him farewell with the admiration he has consistently inspired in me for his almost heroic way of fighting, for how he has always faced adversities and challenges, and for his ability to handle both victories and defeats with equal grace. Above all, I wish to express my immense gratitude for allowing me to accompany him during this stage of his life, which has brought me profound happiness.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Translation of an article Toni Nadal wrote for El Pais:

The inevitable moment we all hoped would never come has arrived. Last Thursday, at 11 a.m., Rafael released a video announcing his decision to withdraw from competition, marking the end of his professional tennis career. He also shared that the chosen setting for his farewell would be the Davis Cup Finals, scheduled to take place this November in Málaga.

For months, he delayed this decision, even though he knew it had to be made sooner rather than later. It wasn’t easy for him to close such a significant chapter of his life and step away from something he had done successfully since childhood, for as long as he could remember. In his case, there was also a particular circumstance that caused him to extend his farewell.

Rafael learned to live with pain for many years, mastering it on numerous occasions and, saw how despite his doubts and uncertainties, he often emerged not only victorious but stronger. This was one of the reasons he repeatedly postponed his carefully considered decision. It is well known that he is used to fighting until the very end, as he did in many matches when the odds were clearly against him, finding it difficult to concede defeat. In the last two years, he has simply continued his usual pattern of giving himself every possible chance — driven more by faith than logic. Ultimately, he has only agreed to accept the undeniable reality when it became clear that his body could no longer give any more.

Today, I can say with certainty that Rafael has fulfilled the promise he made to me a few years ago during a conversation at a club. I told him that a well-known former tennis player had once confided in me his dissatisfaction with his career — not because he hadn’t won more titles, but because of his lack of perseverance. Concerned, I urged my nephew not to make the same mistake. With more determination than I expected, Rafael responded, “Relax, Toni. When I go, it will be with the peace of mind that I gave it everything.”

Now, after a few days, as I face the impossible task of putting my feelings about his retirement into words, my mind fills with nostalgic images — memories of moments lived and shared by Rafael’s side.

What it has meant to me, from the early days of his tennis journey — when I watched him, racket in hand, pacing restlessly around the Manacor Tennis Club, eager for his turn to train with me — until his final strokes on the court, when I watched with concern as neither his shots nor his legs responded with the same freshness and strength as before, is beyond what words can express. Everything that has transpired between those distant years and this final chapter, from his first victories in youth tournaments that hinted at what was to come, to his last great triumphs in Melbourne and Paris, feels like the realization of an almost perfect dream.

Those were intense years in which I had the privilege of experiencing incredible moments alongside him: his first Davis Cup final in Seville as an unexpected debutant, his first French Open title in 2005, and his victory at Wimbledon in 2008, in a legendary final against Roger Federer, widely regarded as the best in history. But there were also challenging moments, such as the diagnosis of his congenital injury in 2005 — a sword of Damocles that forced him to live with pain and uncertainty. These trials helped him forge an even stronger character and caused him great suffering, though they rarely led to discouragement or complaints. For us, it would have been ungrateful to give in to either. In difficult times, I often repeated a phrase I’ve mentioned here before: “Rafael, life has treated us better than we expected and far better than we deserved.”

Rafael’s career has been incredibly successful, far surpassing my expectations, even though I always had unwavering faith in him. This success — his remarkable track record — has earned him the admiration and valuable support of countless fans. But what has truly garnered him such widespread respect and recognition, even beyond the stands, is not just the number of titles he has won. It’s the fact that he built his achievements on a foundation of strong values, and his ability to uphold them throughout his career: his integrity, his exemplary behavior in both victory and defeat, the passion he brought to every match, and his unwavering commitment to the sport and everything surrounding it. He embraced adversity and found ways to overcome it, and above all, he always showed respect for his rivals, regardless of their stature — even when some of them dealt him the most painful defeats of his career.

There are athletes who, due to their exceptional abilities, have become leaders in their disciplines; others who have magnified and even transcended their own sports; and only a few who, through their attitude and actions, have moved beyond the realm of sports to become leaders in society. I believe, without fear of being mistaken and fully prepared to accept any criticisms that may come my way as his uncle, that my nephew, like his greatest rival for many years, Roger Federer, belongs to the latter category.

Starting in November, the trophies that rest in the showcases of his Academy’s museum in Manacor will gradually lose their shine and splendor. However, I have no doubt that Rafael will always cherish and greatly value his most precious reward: the immense affection and appreciation of the people in our country and many others around the world.

All that remains is for me to bid him farewell with the admiration he has consistently inspired in me for his almost heroic way of fighting, for how he has always faced adversities and challenges, and for his ability to handle both victories and defeats with equal grace. Above all, I wish to express my immense gratitude for allowing me to accompany him during this stage of his life, which has brought me profound happiness.

Thanks Tented,
What a wonderful tribute from Toni to Rafa, their partnership of Uncle and Nephew was unique in the tennis world and a most fruitful one. Toni at times I thought could be tough on Rafa, especially in the early years of Rafa's career, though he laid down some important life lessons, apart from his style of coaching and at the end of the day, it made Rafa in lots of ways the man he is today.The partnership was 'special' and I will never forget when Rafa won the Wimbledon final in 2008 when he climbed the stands to be with his team the hug they both shared together.
Thank you Toni!