Newsletter | Rafael Nadal Retires

After 22 grand slams and over two decades on tour, Rafael Nadal will depart professional tennis next month

By Stephen Higgins | 11th October 2024

After the overwhelming emotion associated with Roger Federer’s retirement, prepare for something similar at next month’s Davis Cup Finals as Rafael Nadal departs the sport.

A former world no.1 and winner of 22 grand slams (92 titles overall), the 38-year-old announced his intention to retire after representing Spain one last time at the Malaga finale.

While the decision is unsurprising given Nadal has only managed 23 matches in the past two seasons with injury, it’s still a seismic moment as one of the sport’s eternal legends exits the professional game.

It has been some journey for the teenage phenom who upset Roger Federer at Miami in 2004, then triumphed in that extraordinary 2008 Wimbledon final, and enjoyed utter dominance at Roland Garros where he claimed his 14th Coupe des Mousquetaires and last major title in 2022. With so many accolades beyond those listed, Nadal has had a career for the ages.

He was remarkable from the start as long-time coach and mentor, uncle Toni, decided to switch the racquet from Rafa’s natural right hand to his left. The decision not only worked out, it changed the future of the sport.

Nadal’s unique ‘banana’ forehand, a by-product of the ferocious topspin generated by that mighty arm, became his signature shot. The natural right handedness also gave him more power and control on those devastating backhands. When you combined those assets with the astonishing athleticism, tactical nous, court craft and a competitive nature that will be etched in stone, you have yourself quite a player.

Despite such a young start - Nadal won his first ITF event aged 16 - and chronic injuries, the Spaniard leaves the tour just 20 months shy of his 40th birthday. The Mallorcan is currently top five in the all-time standings for majors won (22), Masters titles (36), overall titles (92), match wins (518) and prize money ($135 million). And then there’s Roland Garros where he boasts an immortal 112-4 or 97% winning record.

But Nadal’s legacy extends far beyond stats.

If you had to pick one player that has embodied diligent professionalism and proper sportsmanship over the past 20 years, it would surely be Rafa.

Like his great rival and friend Federer, Nadal has mastered the art of dismantling opponents respectfully. How often have we seen the Spaniard, especially on clay, demolish a player’s game and tournament aspirations while politely letting them take their seat first at changeovers. Then come the conclusion, that warm smile and respectful handshake greets yet another quelled opponent.

All great champions contain a variety of character traits and Nadal is no exception. The sport will say farewell to someone who has been ferocious and fair, uncompromising and generous, glamorous and humble. He has been an otherworldly role model for the sport and it will miss him terribly. Though I’m not sure the field at Roland Garros will feel the same!

Adiós to an icon.

NEWS

• Novak Djokovic is still chasing a 100th career title after falling 6-7 3-6 to Jannik Sinner in the Shanghai final. It's the seventh title of the season for the world no.1. As for the 37-year-old, he still retains those extraordinary defensive skills as this passing shot against Taylor Fritz shows.

• Moving onto the WTA 1000 in Wuhan where Aryna Sabalenka survived a spirited challenge from home favourite Qinwen Zheng before triumphing 6-3 5-7 6-3 to earn her fourth title of the season and 17th overall.

• There have been a host of coaching changes at the very top of the WTA Tour in recent weeks. Coco Gauff split with Brad Gilbert, Elena Rybakina ended her partnership with Stefano Vukov, Naomi Osaka switched from Wim Fissette to Patrick Mouratoglu and in a surprise move last week, Iga Swiatek said farewell to long-time mentor Tomasz Wiktorowski.

• After 147 years of linespeople, Wimbledon will join the Australian and US Opens by implementing electronic line calling from 2025 on. It’s a sad moment for traditionalists and this writer as there was nothing quite like the immaculately dressed linespeople on the fringes of those famous grass courts.

• Speaking of SW19, Wimbledon’s plan to expand into the nearby park has been approved by the Deputy Mayor of London. Qualifying can now take place on site with the addition of 39 new courts including an 8,000 seat stadium.

• Caroline Garcia has ended her season early due to a combination of a “toxic” mindset, anxiety and shoulder trouble. The 2022 WTA Finals champion has struggled for most of 2024 and currently finds herself outside the WTA’s top 30.

• Finally from a few weeks back, Marin Cilic set a record as the lowest ranked player ever to win an ATP event when he triumphed at the Hangzhou Open placed 777th in the world. The former US Open champion has been beset a knee issue over the past couple of seasons which required multiple surgeries.

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