After 22 Grand Slam titles and countless memorable moments, tennis legend Rafael Nadal played his final professional match on November 19. The 38-year-old lost 6-4, 6-4 to Botic van de Zandschulp of the Netherlands in the Davis Cup, which he said would be his last tournament before retiring from the sport. The Dutch team ousted Nadal and his fellow Spaniards from play after also winning in doubles.
“I lost my first match in the Davis Cup, and I lost my last one, so we close the circle,” Nadal said afterward. Despite his loss, he was feted by fans and fellow tennis stars, including Roger Federer, Serena Williams, Andy Murray, and Novak Djokovic. Nadal announced his retirement in mid-October, citing his health as the primary factor in his decision. He said he hasn’t been able to play “without limitations” over the last few years, as reflected by his current ranking of No. 154.
Still, Nadal is retiring as one of the sport’s all-time greats. His 22 Slams are second most in men’s history behind Novak Djokovic at 24, and Nadal’s 14 French Open titles are at least double that of any other competitor. He also has two Olympic gold medals, winning men’s singles in 2008 and men’s doubles in 2016 with Marc Lopez.
“The way that I would like to be remembered more is as a good person from a small village in Mallorca,” Nadal said following the match. “A lot of people work hard, a lot of people try their best every single day, but… I have been very lucky that life gave me the opportunity to live unforgettable experiences because of tennis. I just want to be remembered as a good person and a kid that followed their dreams and achieved more than what I ever dreamed.”
Who Is Rafael Nadal?
Now retired, Rafael Nadal remains one of the most successful men’s tennis players in history, having won 22 Grand Slam singles titles and a record 14 French Open tournaments. The Spaniard began playing tennis at age 3 and turned pro at 15. Known as the “King of Clay” for his skill on clay courts, Nadal rose to become the No. 1 player in the world and won two Olympic gold medals. He retired from the sport in November 2024.
Quick Facts
FULL NAME: Rafael Nadal Parera
BORN: June 3, 1986
BIRTHPLACE: Manacor, Spain
SPOUSE: Maria Francisca Perelló (2019-present)
CHILDREN: Rafael Jr.
ASTROLOGICAL SIGN: Gemini
Young Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal Parera was born in Manacor, Spain, on the island of Mallorca on June 3, 1986. When he was 3 years old, his uncle Toni Nadal, a former professional tennis player, started working with him, seeing an aptitude for the sport in young Rafael.
At the age of 8, Nadal won an under-12 regional tennis championship, giving his uncle Toni the incentive to step up his training. Toni noticed at the time that Nadal played his forehand shots with two hands, so he encouraged him to play left-handed, thinking it could give Nadal an edge on the court.
When Nadal was just 12 years old, he won the Spanish and European tennis titles in his age group. He turned professional at age 15.
Pro Tennis Career
Nadal, often called by his nickname “Rafa” on the court, proved his success as an amateur was no fluke. At age 16, he made it to the semifinals of the boys singles tournament at Wimbledon. At 17, he became the youngest male to reach the third round at Wimbledon since Germany’s Boris Becker in 1985.
rafael nadal tosses a tennis ball with one outstretched arm as he swings a racket with his other arm, he wears an orange sleeveless tank top, a white headband and white wrist brands
