ROLAND-GARROS
19 May - 8 June 2025
Having been hinted at throughout the season but batted away like one of his lasso forehands after a first-round defeat at his spiritual home, Roland-Garros, back in May, Rafael Nadal's retirement is now a reality. At 38, the 22-time Grand Slam winner (including 14 at Roland-Garros) announced this Thursday that he would be bringing the curtain down on his professional career after one last team competition (the 2024 Davis Cup Finals, in Malaga). Having first helped Spain to this title in 2004 in Seville, the Raging Bull will thus come full circle on his incredible adventure at the pinnacle of world tennis.
Rafael Nadal to retire at end of season
In a lengthy video message published today on his social media, the Mallorcan revealed he would be calling time on his stellar career at the conclusion of the Davis Cup Finals (November 19-24 in Malaga).
©Clément Mahoudeau / FFT"Everything has a beginning and an end"
It will therefore be in the company of his worthy heir, Carlos Alcaraz, and as a part of a team representing his country that Rafael Nadal will take his final bow. While a farewell lap of honour in 2025 was still considered possible a few weeks ago, the Mallorcan has finally made the "difficult decision" to end his wonderful odyssey on home soil. "The reality is it has been some difficult years, these last two especially. I don't think I have been able to play without limitations. It’s obviously a difficult decision, one that has taken me some time to make, but in this life, everything has a beginning and an end, and I think it's the appropriate time to put an end to a career that has been long and much more successful than I could have ever imagined."
In a video lasting nearly five minutes, during which archive footage punctuated his moving testimony to camera, Rafa took time to sum up his feelings and thank his team, loved ones and, of course, the public. It is an announcement that is as beautiful as it is heartbreaking for his millions of fans around the world, who are struggling with the realisation that they will no longer see their champion tread the courts that elevated him to the pantheon of tennis greats. "I can't thank you enough for what you have made me feel, you have given me the energy I have needed at every moment. Really, everything I have experienced has been a dream come true. I leave with the absolute peace of mind of having given my best, of having made an effort in every way. I can only end by saying a thousand thanks to all and see you soon."
A true legend
While the tennis world has been preparing for this eventuality for months, its confirmation still sent reverberations through a sport that owes much to the Spanish legend. During a long career, he was spurred on to new heights by his "Big 3" rivals (Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic) and constantly evolved his game to win on all surfaces. As well as spending 209 weeks as world No.1, the King of Clay won 92 titles, including 22 Grand Slams (14 French Opens, 4 US Opens, 2 Australian Opens and 2 Wimbledon titles).
Known for his breathtaking power, masterful touch and dogged endurance, he also left a lasting mark on the circuit with a psychological dominance of opponents who have always feared him, even in the last two years. In the end it was his body, battered and bruised by 23 highly combative seasons at the highest level that has forced this supreme champion to stop – his voracious appetite for victory always preventing him from taking part in a tournament just to make up the numbers.
From 19 to 24 November, Rafa will take to the court in Malaga to help Spain lift the famous silver bowl, just as he did so well back in 2004 en route to becoming one of the greatest players of all time. His swansong will be on home soil in front of his family, friends, teammates and legions of fans and promises to be a beautiful and unmissable occasion whatever the result.