Rafael Nadal reflects on the moment he knew he was going to retire from professional tennis

Rafael Nadal has revealed that he knew his career was over after playing in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Nadal partnered with compatriot Carlos Alcaraz in the doubles event, but the Spaniard pair suffered a quarterfinal (6-2, 6-4) loss to the fourth-seeded American duo of Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram.

Nadal’s swansong came in the Davis Cup quarterfinals when Spain suffered a quarterfinal loss against the Netherlands. The 22-time Grand Slam champion suffered a 6-4, 6-4 loss to Botic van de Zandschulp in the opening encounter.

Representing Spain, Nadal won two Olympic gold medals, including a singles gold at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and a doubles gold at the 2016 Rio Olympics. He had become the first male player in history to complete the Career Grand Slam and win Olympic gold medals in both singles and doubles.

“It [2024 Olympics] was the last event that I played after I decided that my career was over,” the 22-time Grand Slam champion told Laureus Sports Awards via Instagram.

“Before that event, more or less, I knew that was going to happen, but it was the last event that I played, in some way as a professional athlete.

“Playing with Carlos as a partner was very emotional, very special, representing my country in my last Olympic Games.”

The lefty had been struggling with his fitness and injuries on the tour in the last couple of seasons, and his retirement was always on the cards. 

Nadal was honored at Roland Garros 2025 recently, and his footprints have been implanted on the center court, Philippe-Chatrier forever. The 38-year-old won 14 French Open titles in Paris and had an impeccable record on clay.