Rafael Nadal retired at the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga, ending a professional career after 23 years. For the first time in his adult life, Rafa can enjoy his hobbies without thinking about schedule and practice. Last weekend, he competed at the local golf event in Mallorca.
On Wednesday, the 22-time Major winner visited England, enjoying his time in Manchester and Liverpool. Nadal met the Manchester City football stars before attending the Champions League match between Liverpool and Real Madrid at Anfield.
Despite being a die-hard Real Madrid fan, Nadal sang the Liverpool Football Club’s anthem ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone.’ The Spaniard enjoyed the experience at one of the most famous football stadiums despite Real Madrid’s other poor performance and a 2-0 defeat.
Rafa finished the 2022 season ranked 2nd behind Carlos Alcaraz. He conquered the Australian Open and Roland Garros before struggling in the second part of the year. Nadal experienced a severe hip injury at the 2023 Australian Open.
He underwent surgery and experienced the most extended break of his career. Rafa returned to action in the first week of 2024, reaching the quarter-final in Brisbane before skipping the Australian Open. The veteran stayed away from the court until Barcelona in April.
The king of clay could not deliver his best tennis at his favorite tournaments. He experienced an early Roland Garros loss to Alexander Zverev and focused on the Olympic Games. Rafa entered pre-Olympic Games event in Bastad and reached the final, his first in over two years.
Rafa passed four opponents and lost steam, taking only three games against Nuno Borges in the title clash. The Spaniard traveled to Paris for his fourth and last Olympic Games. He passed the first obstacle before falling to Novak Djokovic in the second round.
Nadal skipped the US Open and announced his retirement in October. The legend entered his last tournament at the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga, competing for his country two decades after debuting in 2004. Rafa fell to Botic van de Zandschulp 6-4, 6-4, ending his incredible career and earning a well-deserved retirement.
