Rafael Nadal's emotional retirement announcement shatters records, becomes most-liked tennis post on social media

Rafael Nadal's emotional retirement announcement video broke records upon its release, quickly becoming the most-liked tennis post on social media. The Spaniard revealed that he will play at the 2024 Davis Cup Finals before drawing curtains on his illustrious career.

After almost missing out on the 2023 season due to injuries, Nadal made a comeback to the court this year at the 2024 Brisbane International. However, his season has been marred by recurring injuries, limiting his participation in tournaments. His sole Grand Slam appearance this year was at the French Open which ended in the first round when he lost to eventual runner-up Alexander Zverev.

Recently, Rafael Nadal took to social media to share a video announcing his retirement from professional tennis, revealing that the 2024 season will mark his final year on the court.

“I am here to let you know I am retiring from professional tennis. It is obviously a difficult decision, one that has taken me some time to make, but in this life, everything has a beginning and an end, and I think it’s the appropriate time to put an end to a career that has been long and much more successful than I could have ever imagined,” he said.

The former World No.1 expressed his gratitude for the success and longevity he has been able to experience in the sport and then mentioned that he is leaving the game with a sense of fulfillment, knowing that he gave his all.

“Really, everything I have experienced has been a dream come true. I leave with the absolute peace of mind of having given my best, of having made an effort in every way. I can only end by saying a thousand thanks to all and see you soon,” he added.

Since the release of Rafael Nadal's retirement announcement video, it has garnered an overwhelming response on social media. The post has amassed over 4.3 million likes on Instagram and 394,000 likes on X (formerly known as Twitter).

Rafael Nadal will represent Spain in the knockout stages of Davis Cup Finals 2024 before retiring

Rafael Nadal representing Spain at Paris Olympics 2024 [Image Source: Getty Images]

In his retirement announcement video, Rafael Nadal revealed his decision to represent Spain at the 2024 Davis Cup Finals before calling time on his career.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion expressed that he is "excited" about playing in the Davis Cup Finals and representing Spain in what will be his final tournament. He also recalled playing for his country at the Davis Cup in 2004 at Estadio Olimpico in Seville, where he helped his team secure the title by defeating the United States of America in the final.

"I am very excited that my last tournament will be the final of the Davis Cup and representing my country. I think I’ve come full circle, since one of my first great joys as a professional tennis player was the Davis Cup final in Seville in 2004," he said.

This year, Rafael Nadal along with Carlos Alcaraz, Roberto Bautista Agut, Pablo Carreno Busta, and Marcel Granollers will represent Spain at the 2024 Davis Cup Finals. Spain will face the Netherlands in the quarterfinals, which will be held in Malaga from November 19 to 21, 2024.

The winner of the quarterfinal match between the Netherlands and Spain will move on to face either Germany or Canada in the semifinals.