Former World No.1 Rafael Nadal announced his intention to retire following the Davis Cup Finals in November, joining a list of several ATP and WTA stars who have chosen to hang up their rackets at some point during the 2024 season.
After battling with various injuries over the last two seasons, Nadal finally decided to call it a career this season. There had been much speculation regarding when the Spanish legend would make the call, with Nadal skipping Wimbledon and competing in his final Olympic Games alongside compatriot Carlos Alcaraz in the doubles event.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion has given everything to the sport he loves during a career spanning two decades. Capturing hearts and trophies during that period, Nadal finally announced his last professional tournament will be at the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga.
The Spaniard is not the only tennis star to decide it end their career during the 2024 season. Several other players announced their retirement earlier this year, with three-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray playing his final tournament at the 2024 Olympic Games.
Austrian Dominic Thiem, who won his lone Grand Slam title at the 2020 US Open, announced he would be retiring after the Vienna Open in his home country. Additionally, Argentine Diego Schwartzman, French veteran Richard Gasquet, Portugal's Joao Sousa and Serbian Filip Krajinovic had all previously announced their retirement this season.
On the WTA side, three-time Grand Slam champion Angelique Kerber announced she would be hanging up her racket after making a brief comeback following childbirth. Frenchwoman Alize Cornet also announced her retirement at this year's Roland Garros, in front of her home crowd. American Danielle Collins announced at the start of the season she'd be retiring at the end of the year, and compatriot Shelby Rogers played the final tournament of her career at the 2024 US Open.
Rafa, one post is not enough to express the respect I have for you and what you have done for our sport. You have inspired millions of children to start playing tennis and I think that’s probably greatest achievement anyone can wish for. Your tenacity, dedication, fighting spirit…
