Rafael Nadal has announced his decision to retire from tennis, citing the inability of his body to cope with the rigorous demands of competing at the highest level. The tennis icon plans to end his illustrious career after representing Spain in the upcoming Davis Cup Finals, hoping for a memorable farewell.

A Career Hindered by Injuries

The 37-year-old Spaniard has faced persistent injuries in recent years, which have ultimately forced him to step away. His last competitive match dates back to the 2023 Olympics, as he opted to preserve himself for a final campaign.

In a heartfelt press conference, Nadal revealed his struggles:

“It doesn’t make sense for me to continue playing when I’m fully aware that my body doesn’t let me fight for the competitive goals that motivate me.”

A Farewell Without Burnout

Nadal clarified that his decision to retire is not due to losing passion for tennis. Instead, it stems from physical limitations that prevent him from competing at the level he desires.

“I’m not burned out on tennis. If I could, I would keep playing, but it’s impossible for me to train with the continuity necessary to compete at a level that compensates for the efforts of everyday life.”

Reflecting on his journey since a 2023 injury at the Australian Open, Nadal explained:

“The truth is that since I had the injury in Australia in 2023, I have not played freely again. I had surgery, they had to remove part of my iliac psoas, and from that moment on, it was impossible to play without limitations.”

Emotional Farewell at the Davis Cup

Spain’s campaign at the Davis Cup Finals begins on Tuesday with a quarter-final clash against the Netherlands. If successful, they will face either Germany or Canada in the semi-finals.

Nadal expressed mixed emotions about his final matches, saying:

“I don’t know how I will feel. I am not here to retire. I am here to help the team. The emotion is going to be for the end. Before and during, it is about focusing on what we need to do.”

As the third member of the legendary Big Four—following Roger Federer and Andy Murray—to bid farewell, Nadal’s retirement marks the end of a golden era in tennis.

This Davis Cup journey promises to be a poignant final chapter for one of the greatest players in tennis history.