Rafael Nadal has announced his retirement from tennis

[tented]

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!

One of my favorite memories of Toni was when Rafa got his 4th championship point, and Toni could no longer stay in his seat. He had to stand in the aisle, as if willing on his nephew.

 

[Kieran]

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.

That’s very beautiful!

 

[Jelenafan]

My wife who is a Federite once told me “ I don't think Rafa ever learned the word “quit”, so his vocabulary is slightly limited”.

 

[Fiero425]

My wife who is a Federite once told me “ I don't think Rafa ever learned the word “quit”, so his vocabulary is slightly limited”.

Oh pls; Nadal's vocabulary is limited b/c he didn't go to school! He was the $$ machine for the family as they sold him to his uncle to raise on a tennis court even w/ a congenital foot injury that was supposedly painful that he had to live w/! Novak & Federer OTOH seem t/b quite educated & speak several languages while Nadal can barely chop together a little English outside his native Spanish! Who's fault will it be if he's literally limping for the rest of his life?

 

[Kieran]

Oh pls; Nadal's vocabulary is limited b/c he didn't go to school! He was the $$ machine for the family as they sold him to his uncle to raise on a tennis court even w/ a congenital foot injury that was supposedly painful that he had to live w/! Novak & Federer OTOH seem t/b quite educated & speak several languages while Nadal can barely chop together a little English outside his native Spanish! Who's fault will it be if he's literally limping for the rest of his life?

So let me ask you, brother, to sum up your kind words for a tennis great on his retirement.

Or is this it?

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

So let me ask you, brother, to sum up your kind words for a tennis great on his retirement.

Or is this it?

Did you really have to ask him of all people that question LOL! I wait with baited breath for his answer

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Oh pls; Nadal's vocabulary is limited b/c he didn't go to school! He was the $$ machine for the family as they sold him to his uncle to raise on a tennis court even w/ a congenital foot injury that was supposedly painful that he had to live w/! Novak & Federer OTOH seem t/b quite educated & speak several languages while Nadal can barely chop together a little English outside his native Spanish! Who's fault will it be if he's literally limping for the rest of his life?

That is incorrect for starters you really need to check your Facts before posting?
Rafa's parents were quite wealthy they ran their own business, he wasnt a $$ for his family at all!
Mueller-Weiss Syndrome is a rare degenerative foot condition, Rafa was told he might have to retire, early in his career, a lesser player would have retired years ago with this foot condition.
Any more Snarky comments regarding Rafa? I bet you still have tons of snarky things to say?

 

[Fiero425]

So let me ask you, brother, to sum up your kind words for a tennis great on his retirement.

Or is this it?

OCO, Nadal's gotten his "flowers" from me! He's done more than enough to be thought 1 of the true greats! I just didn't particularly care for his style or "act" on the tennis court! He never said "quit" as was noted earlier, but the rest of the tour facilitated a number of his comebacks by forgetting how to play when close to defeating him! IMO, it's a bit obscene to own a major like the FO when it was at the bottom back in the day along w/ the AO! Most top players didn't even go to Paris knowing clay specialists would knock them out! I personally would put him in 3rd all time even though he owned #2 Federer! As for Novak, he's re-written the record-books and extending those #'s out of sight w/ no real hope of ever being overtaken IMO!

 

[Kieran]

OCO, Nadal's gotten his "flowers" from me! He's done more than enough to be thought 1 of the true greats! I just didn't particularly care for his style or "act" on the tennis court! He never said "quit" as was noted earlier, but the rest of the tour facilitated a number of his comebacks by forgetting how to play when close to defeating him! IMO, it's a bit obscene to own a major like the FO when it was at the bottom back in the day along w/ the AO! Most top players didn't even go to Paris knowing clay specialists would knock them out! I personally would put him in 3rd all time even though he owned #2 Federer! As for Novak, he's re-written the record-books and extending those #'s out of sight w/ no real hope of ever being overtaken IMO!

Gimme a well earned break. When Rafa went finally lame at Wimbledon 2022 he was two slams ahead of Djokovic. Once Rafa was removed, Djoker won a free career slam from his next five slams, including that same Wimbledon. You don’t think that’s obscene that he got those titles? That’s how he gained the most slams. By his greatest rival becoming lame.

Rafa didn’t have an “act”, unless you call total honesty and commitment an act. Though I suppose when you idolise a player who’s a tad shady, honesty must feel a little bit strange to see…

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Nadal's uncle and former coach, Toni Nadal, said his nephew will likely focus more on his academy,he also mentioned a potential role few would have expected, director of football at Real Madrid.
Despite the 38 yo undoubtedly building strategic skills from all his matches over the years, someone with Nadal's profile would not usually be appointed to such a role, but Toni Nadal told Marca that the former No 1 is unlikely to say no if the opportunity arises.

 

[Moxie]

OCO, Nadal's gotten his "flowers" from me! He's done more than enough to be thought 1 of the true greats! I just didn't particularly care for his style or "act" on the tennis court! He never said "quit" as was noted earlier, but the rest of the tour facilitated a number of his comebacks by forgetting how to play when close to defeating him! IMO, it's a bit obscene to own a major like the FO when it was at the bottom back in the day along w/ the AO! Most top players didn't even go to Paris knowing clay specialists would knock them out! I personally would put him in 3rd all time even though he owned #2 Federer! As for Novak, he's re-written the record-books and extending those #'s out of sight w/ no real hope of ever being overtaken IMO!

OMG, with you and the hating! Everyone's entitled to like who they like, but you are NOT entitled to make up your own facts. As Margaret points out, of all of the big 3-4, Rafa came from the most family wealth, Novak from the least. In fact, his mother once referred to him as her Golden Child. Emphasis on the "gold," I guess. And if you think Roger or Novak got any more education than Rafa did, I will point you to the ages at which all turned pro. They barely any of them went to high school, much less finished it. Novak is a gifted linguist, I'll give you that. Roger's mother is South African, so he is a native English speaker. Rafa does speak 3+ languages. Just to check...how many do you speak?

As to opponents "forgetting how to play" when they seemed to have an advantage? What a coincidence it happened when they couldn't sustain their level against an all-time great, right? Sort of like Tsitsipas forgetting how to play at that French Open final against Novak, huh?

With regard to not liking Nadal's "act" on court, that is just you projecting. You have forgotten how to notice a class act on court because you've spent so long defending Novak's bad behavior.

Give me a miss with your blowhard hating on Rafa. If, at this, of all moments, you can't come up with more than hate and bitterness, you really don't love tennis. You just love the sound of your own voice, and the lies you chose to believe.

 

[Moxie]

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.

This is very beautiful. It made me cry.

Toni WAS tough on Rafa, but I think their work ethic was important to Rafa's longevity. Back in the day, ol' Cali used to complain that Nadal wasn't talented, just that he worked hard. Which seems to be @Fiero425's complaint. I read a quote from Toni, around that time, who said that, early on, they decided they could based their strategy on "talent," or they could base it on hard work, and they chose hard work, because, there are days when your talent abandons you, but the hard work will still be there. This is also known by the adage, "champions find a way." I believe that has been applied to Roger and Novak, as well. But I think Rafa has applied it best. Yes, there was no "quit" in him, which was partially about respect for the opponent, and for the crowd. And a lot about his own competitive spirit. Something sorely lacking in some of the pretenders, these days.

 

[Fiero425]

OMG, with you and the hating! Everyone's entitled to like who they like, but you are NOT entitled to make up your own facts. As Margaret points out, of all of the big 3-4, Rafa came from the most family wealth, Novak from the least. In fact, his mother once referred to him as her Golden Child. Emphasis on the "gold," I guess. And if you think Roger or Novak got any more education than Rafa did, I will point you to the ages at which all turned pro. They barely any of them went to high school, much less finished it. Novak is a gifted linguist, I'll give you that. Roger's mother is South African, so he is a native English speaker. Rafa does speak 3+ languages. Just to check...how many do you speak?

As to opponents "forgetting how to play" when they seemed to have an advantage? What a coincidence it happened when they couldn't sustain their level against an all-time great, right? Sort of like Tsitsipas forgetting how to play at that French Open final against Novak, huh?

With regard to not liking Nadal's "act" on court, that is just you projecting. You have forgotten how to notice a class act on court because you've spent so long defending Novak's bad behavior.

Give me a miss with your blowhard hating on Rafa. If, at this, of all moments, you can't come up with more than hate and bitterness, you really don't love tennis. You just love the sound of your own voice, and the lies you chose to believe.

That so much BS! Where was Nadal defeating Novak off clay? It had been 10 years of dominance w/ Novak destroying Rafa on grass & HC! Free major indeed! Get over it! What I was referring to concerning Nadal was how young he was at the time & didn't have anything to do w/ $$! I well know Novak was low man on the totem pole, living in a war torn country, hopscotching landmines, & ducking bullets & missiles! You well know Djokovic is a master of languages; actually giving them a little Mandarin when playing in the Orient! I think he can pretty much converse in 11 languages! His speeches in France are the longest in French than any other player outside of m/b Yannick Noah back in '83!

 

[Moxie]

That so much BS! Where was Nadal defeating Novak off clay? It had been 10 years of dominance w/ Novak destroying Rafa on grass & HC! Free major indeed! Get over it! What I was referring to concerning Nadal was how young he was at the time & didn't have anything to do w/ $$! I well know Novak was low man on the totem pole, living in a war torn country, hopscotching landmines, & ducking bullets & missiles! You well know Djokovic is a master of languages; actually giving them a little Mandarin when playing in the Orient! I think he can pretty much converse in 11 languages! His speeches in France are the longest in French than any other player outside of m/b Yannick Noah back in '83!

I think you're quoting the wrong person. I wasn't discussing the Nadal/Djokovic h2h at all. Nor did I say "Free Major."

Don't kid yourself. Novak doesn't speak 11 languages, and Roger's French is better, if you want to be petty. I speak 5 languages and can make pleasantries in many others. That's about where Novak is with most of the languages he "speaks." It's phrases he memorizes, beyond a few. He speaks Serbian, (maybe Croatian?) English and really decent if imperfect Italian. His French has improved greatly. Not grammatical or educated, but credible and conversational. But please don't make it more than it is. Or pretend to make Nadal seem uneducated, in comparison. Again, Nadal is fluent in 3 languages, and conversant in 2 others. You?

 

[Fiero425]

I think you're quoting the wrong person. I wasn't discussing the Nadal/Djokovic h2h at all. Nor did I say "Free Major."

Don't kid yourself. Novak doesn't speak 11 languages, and Roger's French is better, if you want to be petty. I speak 5 languages and can make pleasantries in many others. That's about where Novak is with most of the languages he "speaks." It's phrases he memorizes, beyond a few. He speaks Serbian, (maybe Croatian?) English and really decent if imperfect Italian. His French has improved greatly. Not grammatical or educated, but credible and conversational. But please don't make it more than it is. Or pretend to make Nadal seem uneducated, in comparison. Again, Nadal is fluent in 3 languages, and conversant in 2 others. You?

That's about my old, tired mind conflating multiple posts from you & @Kieran! He's the one brought up Novak getting free majors after Nadal semi-ret.! This is the most I've had to post in quite a while; a lot on the politics thread! I'm so exercized about the coming election, I might keel over! I'm so disgusted with this sad state of affairs! Tennis comes & goes with Masters events spaced! I won't care until they hit Paris! Novak should make the YEC after his good showing in Shanghai! He won't have to pull a 2022 needing Tel Aviv and Astana! It shiuld be all gravy with a win or 2 in Accor Arena!

 

[PhiEaglesfan712]

That's about my old, tired mind conflating multiple posts from you & @Kieran! He's the one brought up Novak getting free majors after Nadal semi-ret.! This is the most I've had to post in quite a while; a lot on the politics thread! I'm so exercized about the coming election, I might keel over! I'm so disgusted with this sad state of affairs! Tennis comes & goes with Masters events spaced! I won't care until they hit Paris! Novak should make the YEC after his good showing in Shanghai! He won't have to pull a 2022 needing Tel Aviv and Astana! It shiuld be all gravy with a win or 2 in Accor Arena!

I'm not really a fan of having Masters events in the fall. If the ATP Finals can't happen in September (following the US Open), I'd much rather the French Open be played in October, with Shanghai at the beginning of the year, and the Paris Masters in May.

Also, I think Novak was safely in the YEC in 2022, even without Tel Aviv and Astana, as he had won Wimbledon. Unless he was outside the Top 20, but I don't remember him dropping out of the Top 10.

 

[Kieran]

I'm not really a fan of having Masters events in the fall. If the ATP Finals can't happen in September (following the US Open), I'd much rather the French Open be played in October, with Shanghai at the beginning of the year, and the Paris Masters in May.

Also, I think Novak was safely in the YEC in 2022, even without Tel Aviv and Astana, as he had won Wimbledon. Unless he was outside the Top 20, but I don't remember him dropping out of the Top 10.

Why should they play the French Open in autumn? It’s summer in Paris when it’s played, better chance of better weather…

 

[PhiEaglesfan712]

Why should they play the French Open in autumn? It’s summer in Paris when it’s played, better chance of better weather…

All the meaningful tournaments should be played towards the end of the season, just like in other non-ball/stick sports. NASCAR has the playoffs and golf has the FedEx Cup after the British Open. Quite frankly, I think the ATP Finals should take place in the 2nd half of September, following the US Open. If that can't happen, then we should have something meaningful like the French Open or Indian Wells to keep me interested while the football season is going on in the US. The Shanghai and Paris Masters don't really do it for me, and I wouldn't shed a tear if one of them gets replaced by the potential Saudi Masters.

The autumn French Open in 2020 and the autumn Indian Wells in 2021 were among the best tournaments I have watched in recent history.

 

[Kieran]

All the meaningful tournaments should be played towards the end of the season, just like in other non-ball/stick sports. NASCAR has the playoffs and golf has the FedEx Cup after the British Open. Quite frankly, I think the ATP Finals should take place in the 2nd half of September, following the US Open. If that can't happen, then we should have something meaningful like the French Open or Indian Wells to keep me interested while the football season is going on in the US. The Shanghai and Paris Masters don't really do it for me, and I wouldn't shed a tear if one of them gets replaced by the potential Saudi Masters.

The autumn French Open in 2020 and the autumn Indian Wells in 2021 were among the best tournaments I have watched in recent history.

Nobody gives a shit about US sports except Americans. Noah Lyles was right - “World champions of what? America?”

Nobody gives a hoot about that shite, nobody considers American basketball players as the greatest of all time of anywhere except America. So you’re gonna have to suck it up, bro! The tennis season can’t all take place in the last few months of the year. The timing is right. The tradition is perfect. We could possibly do with a cull of certain events to give the players more downtime before Christmas, so get rid of the Laver Cup and make the Davis Cup a two-year cycle, but no Saudi tournaments please, they’re sports-washing a little too rapidly for my liking.

I was disappointed in Rafa that his foundation has some association with them..

 

[rafanoy1992]

I have said this before but my favorite Rafael Nadal stat ever, in my opinion:

14-0 in Roland Garros finals and not a single one of them went to a 5th set!

7 straight set matches
7 four set matches
Perfectly balance

In fact, since 2017 RG (31 years old), he was 15-1 in set wins and losses in RG Finals. That's actually pretty remarkable to think about

Another amazing RG stat: He won 90.7% of the sets he played at RG! (116 matches total).