Stars pay tribute as Rafael Nadal announces retirement from tennis

Rafael Nadal, one of the greatest tennis players of all time, has announced his retirement.

The 38-year-old legend, who won 22 Grand Slam titles over the course of his 23-year career, posted a video on his social media accounts in which he said that his final tournament would be this year's Davis Cup which they will be playing in his home country of Spain next month.

“I am here to inform you that I am retiring from professional tennis,” Nadal said. “The reality is that it has been a difficult few years, particularly these two. I don't think I could play without restrictions. It’s obviously a difficult decision that will take me some time.”

“But in this life everything has a beginning and an end. And I think it’s the right time to end a long and much more successful career than I could have ever imagined.”

Mil gracias a todos
Thank you everyone
Merci beaucoup à tous
Grazie mille à tutti
谢谢大家
شكرا لكم جميعا
תודה לכולכם
Obrigado a todos
Thank you all
Tack alla
Хвала свима
Congratulations to the little ones pic.twitter.com/7yPRs7QrOi

— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) October 10, 2024

Nadal had a number of health problems before his retirement. He suffers from Müller-Weiss syndrome in his foot – a condition that led to him using anesthetic injections to get through the 2022 French Open – and has struggled with abdominal injuries in recent years.

Long-time rival and friend Roger Federer used the comments on Nadal's post as recognition.

“What a career, Rafa,” he wrote. “I always hoped this day would never come. Thank you for the unforgettable memories and all your incredible achievements in the game we love. It was an absolute honor!”

Coco Gauff also commented on the post with the words: “You are amazing! It was so incredible to see and learn from your greatness and work ethic. I wish you all the best for the next chapter.”

Carlos Alcaraz, Ons Jabeur, Ben Stiller and other big names from the sports world and beyond gave Nadal his well-deserved flowers on social media.

Recently I was on TV and wanted to tell the player that I was going to play the big giveaway at Roland Garros in Spain in one of our Olympics! 🥲 Much as gracias por ser ejemplo a todos los niveles, tu legado es irrepetible! ❤️ There… pic.twitter.com/MiX8l5Jnrh

— Carlos Alcaraz (@carlosalcaraz) October 10, 2024

Grande Rafa. @RafaelNadal Gracias por todas las memories ………. Gracias amigo

– andyroddick (@andyroddick) October 10, 2024

Thanks @RafaelNadal for inspiring me and all of us ❤️🙏
We will miss you 😢❤️ pic.twitter.com/uixuSLG0V8

— Ons Jabeur (@Ons_Jabeur) October 10, 2024

Thanks @RafaelNadal for everything you have given to the sport. I will never forget that I had the opportunity to train with you for a few weeks a few years ago. It was even more special watching you work as an athlete but also getting to know you as a person off the field. pic.twitter.com/Obyrk5V5mh

— Jannik Sinner (@janniksin) October 10, 2024

Rafa, don't retire, I want to play you one last time

— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) October 10, 2024

We had our differences, but you were one hell of a warrior. Best wishes and good luck in whatever comes next. https://t.co/ZRHMRcSqFI

— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) October 10, 2024

The great. 🥲💙🙌 https://t.co/nldyHHgHH7

— Ben Stiller (@BenStiller) October 10, 2024

Another difficult question. Retirement is inevitable, but I will miss seeing this guy fight for every point like no other. A truly remarkable person, best regards @RafaelNadal 🚀 pic.twitter.com/nR9ddVnnvV

– Rod Laver (@rodlaver) October 10, 2024

Gracias a ti por todo lo que hascho por este deporte. You can watch the men and the tornadoes 🥹🙌🏻 https://t.co/NbZA0O2iTK

— Caroline Garcia (@CaroGarcia) October 10, 2024

Muchas gracias 🙏 @RafaelNadal

legend

— Patrick McEnroe (@PatrickMcEnroe) October 10, 2024

Sabíamos que un día esto llegaría.Un orgullo haber sido parte of your journey,al final como enrenador pero siempre como amigo.Gracias por tanto 💔💔 https://t.co/5b9Fwpnxax

– Carlos Moya (@Charlymoya) October 10, 2024

Gratitude because it is an example of everything, gratitude for your strength, sacrifice, dedication and passion for the sport.
GRACIAS RAFA! 🎾 @RafaelNadal pic.twitter.com/21mAwDw26Y

— Willy Hernangómez Geuer (@willyhg94) October 10, 2024

Greetings Rafa!! One of the best ever. You made me a real tennis fan 🫡

— LaMarcus Aldridge (@aldridge_12) October 10, 2024