Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal announced his retirement date on Thursday, October 10. In an emotional video posted on his official social media accounts, the 38-year-old revealed that the Davis Cup final in Malaga this November will mark the end of his professional career.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion is widely admired by fans and athletes globally, not only for his extraordinary talent but also for his resilience. In 2017, Indian cricket icon MS Dhoni named Nadal as his favourite player during an event. In a conversation on Tekplay’s YouTube channel, he praised the Spanish tennis star and stated:
“Somehow, I have always been a No. 2 supporter. Not consciously, but it just happens. You know, I was an Andre Agassi supporter and he was No. 2 that time. Steffi Graf, she was No. 2. Then Nadal No. 2. Of course, he went on to become the World No. 1.”
“I think his never [say] die attitude even when it’s the last point, he’s losing, he’ll still give it its best and that’s what is something that is very important – not to throw in the towel until the result is there. That’s why Nadal, for me, he never throws in the towel and gives his best whatever the situation may be,” Dhoni went on to add in praise of the tennis great.
Although Nadal is set to retire from tennis in November, Dhoni announced his exit from international cricket in 2020. He has continued to play for Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
What Rafael Nadal Said During His Retirement Announcement
In a video on social media confirming his retirement from professional tennis, Nadal stated that injuries have restricted his participation and acknowledged that the past two years have been quite challenging.
“It has been some difficult years, these last two especially. I am here to let you know I am retiring from professional tennis. The reality is that it has been some difficult years, the last two especially. I don’t think I have been able to play without limitations,” he was quoted as saying by BBC.
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The Spaniard has secured a record 14 French Open titles and is commonly known as the ‘King of Clay.’ He has also won the Wimbledon championship twice, the Australian Open twice, and the US Open four times. Additionally, he earned a gold medal at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.
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