"Thanks to life", Nadal's retirement speech
Rafael Nadal officially retired on Tuesday November 19, 2024 in Malaga, following Spain's elimination by the Netherlands in the Davis Cup quarter-finals.
A ceremony was organized to pay tribute to the Spaniard after the match. During the ceremony, he took to the microphone to share his thoughts and feelings as he closed this major chapter in his life.
Rafael Nadal: "I have so many people to thank. It's been 20 years of my professional career during which you have supported me in difficult moments, pushing me to keep fighting.
Obviously, things didn't turn out the way we'd hoped, but I gave it everything I had. I'm deeply grateful to have had the opportunity to live out my last days as a professional in a team.
Nobody ever wants to get to that point. I'm not tired of playing tennis, but my body has reached a point where it can't go on, and I have to accept that reality. I feel privileged to have extended my career far beyond what I ever imagined. Thanks to life and to my team.
I may have made mistakes, I may have played some matches below my abilities, but I'm grateful that the media told my story with respect. For me, it was a great adventure, with some difficult moments, but also some unforgettable ones.
I've always tried to achieve my goals with respect, humility and gratitude for all the good things that have happened to me. I've tried to be a good person, and I hope that's the image you'll keep of me. I leave the world of professional tennis with the satisfaction of having made many friendships.
I leave in peace, with the feeling of having left a legacy, thanks to the love and recognition I have received throughout the world, far beyond the tennis courts. Thank you for everything.
A difficult period lies ahead. I'm going to have to adapt, but I'm doing it serenely, because I know I've given it my all right up to the end. Fortunately, I have a wonderful family who are with me every day, helping me at every stage of my life.
I'd like to be remembered above all as a good person, a kid from a small village in Majorca who followed his dreams. I was lucky to have an uncle who was a tennis coach in my village and to have been able to start playing tennis with him. And lucky to have a great family who supported me to become who I am today.
My great rivals have helped make my career longer and more successful. I thank them for everything we've shared together. I'm bidding farewell as a professional tennis player, but the person I am will remain among you. I hope for many more years. Thank you all."
