'It's been hard for the past two years''''King Clay'Nadal, officially announced his retirement...Goodbye to next month's Davis Cup
Oct 11, 2024
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Rafael Nadal (38) has officially announced his retirement from Spain's tennis legend.
Nadal announced his retirement in person through his social media video message on the 11th (Korea time). Looking back on his tennis career with a goodbye in 12 languages, he thanked his fans for their long journey.
Nadal, who has been praised as the `King of Clay Courts' with 22 Grand Slam titles and 14 French Open titles that no one can dare to overcome, will put down his racket after Roger Federer and Andy Murray as one of the world's four greatest and most beloved players in the history of men's professional tennis. Now, only Novak Djokovic remains among the four big players who have dominated the professional tennis world for 20 years.
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Federer is 'Rafa, what a career. I always hoped this day would never come. Thank you for making unforgettable memories. Djokovic, who has clashed with Nadal 60 times, said 'Your persistence, dedication, and determination will be a great lesson for decades to come. 'Your legacy will live on forever' and left a touching comment saying 'Thank you for pushing me to the limit several times in a rivalry that has had the greatest impact as a player.
Nadal's last professional tournament will be the Davis Cup Final on Nov. 19 in Malaga, Spain, where he will play for Spain and have a beautiful finale in front of his home fans. He will try to win for the fifth time with world No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz. Nadal said "One of the biggest joys as a tennis player was the Davis Cup final in Seville in 2004. I'm very excited that the last tournament is the Davis Cup, which represents the country", he expressed his expectation.
Reporter Jeon Young-ji sky4us@sportschosun.com
sky4us@sportschosun.com
