Goodbye, Rafa: Legend retires, legacy remains
Rafael Nadal has announced his retirement from professional tennis, bringing to an end a legendary career that has established him as one of the greatest sportsmen of all time, not only in Spain, but in the world.
A benchmark of effort, humility and perseverance. Of the ‘Big Three’, only Djokovic remains after Federer also decided to devote himself to his family, as did Nadal, who is the father of Rafa, aged two. His retirement has taken longer than expected, the last few years have not been the best, but no one will erase his legacy.
Mil gracias a todos
— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) October 10, 2024
Many thanks to all
Merci beaucoup à tous
Grazie mille à tutti
谢谢大家
شكرا لكم جميعا
תודה לכולכם
Obrigado a todos
Vielen Dank euch allen
Tack alla
Хвала свима
Gràcies a tots pic.twitter.com/7yPRs7QrOi
Throughout his career, Rafael Nadal has won a total of 22 Grand Slam titles. Among his most notable victories are his 14 titles at Roland Garros, an unprecedented achievement that has seen him reign supreme on clay. Nadal has shown a unique ability to dominate this surface, with records that seem almost impossible to match.
To these achievements can be added 5 Davis Cup titles with the Spanish team, a gold medal at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in singles and another in doubles at the Rio de Janeiro 2016 Games. At the Davis Cup in Malaga Nadal will say goodbye, one last dance in the Spanish jersey.
Nadal's era in tennis has been marked by his intense rivalry with two of the best tennis players in history: Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic. The three, known as the ‘Big Three’, have dominated the circuit for almost two decades, raising the level of competition and turning every match into a historic event.
The rivalry between Nadal and Federer has been one of the most exciting in tennis history. Federer, elegant and aggressive on all surfaces, seemed the perfect opposite of Nadal, who imposed his physicality and unwavering intensity on every point. That 2008 Wimbledon final is considered the greatest tennis match of all time, where Nadal defeated Federer in five sets after almost five hours of play.
The relationship between the two has always been marked by a deep respect, and, after Federer's retirement in 2022, it was emotional to see both players in tears at the Swiss' farewell at the Laver Cup.
The competition between Nadal and Djokovic has been equally intense, but with a different profile. While Federer and Nadal had contrasting styles, Djokovic and Nadal are more similar in their tenacity and defensive style, which has led to gruelling and epic matches. Djokovic has been one of the few players able to challenge Nadal on clay and has made him suffer more than he should have at Roland Garros.
With Djokovic still active and having surpassed the Grand Slams record with 24 titles, the rivalry between the two has been a constant throughout their careers. Still, Nadal has always shown great respect for the Serb despite the perfect imitations he has done of the Spaniard in exhibition tournaments.
Beyond his success on the courts, Rafael Nadal has been a role model and ambassador for Spanish sport around the world. Through his Rafael Nadal Foundation, created in 2008, he has worked to promote education and sport among young people in vulnerable situations. His foundation has projects in Spain and India and helps thousands of children through sport as a tool for social inclusion.
In addition, Nadal has always shown great commitment to his country. The Royal Court has taken him into account as an advisor in times of pandemic along with other greats such as Gasol or Fernando Alonso. We also saw him helping his neighbours in Manacor after the severe floods years ago.
It is difficult to talk about Rafael Nadal without wondering if we are talking about the best Spanish sportsman in history. His track record, both in terms of individual titles and contributions to team competitions, places him at the pinnacle of sport. Along with other great athletes such as Pau Gasol, Fernando Alonso and Miguel Induráin, Nadal has taken the name of Spain to the top of the international sporting scene.
His impact transcends tennis. In every interview, every tournament and every statement, Nadal has made it clear that success is not only measured by titles, but by work ethic and respect for opponents. Nadal has raised the image of Spanish sport, and is a figure to follow both on and off the court, as Carolina Marin herself has said, who set her reference in him.
Rafael Nadal's retirement marks the end of a golden era for tennis and for Spanish sport. His legacy, however, will live on. With his impressive collection of titles, his rivalry with Federer and Djokovic, and his social commitment, Nadal has left an indelible mark. Beyond statistics, Rafael Nadal is a reflection of what it means to be a champion: a sportsman who never gave up, an example of struggle and constant effort, and, above all, an admired person.
