Rafael Nadal announced on Thursday that he plans to retire from professional tennis at the Davis Cup in November this year.
Nadal’s retirement did not come as a surprise as he has barely competed this season but it still had an enormous effect on the tennis world and beyond.
Many people, including Nick Krygios, want the 14-time French Open winner to carry on playing for a bit longer but he has made up his mind.
Here is how Nadal’s retirement age compares to some of the top male players in the history of the sport, such as good friend Roger Federer.
Rafael Nadal’s retirement age compared to tennis legends
Rafael Nadal – 38 (2024)
Nadal turned professional in 2001 and lifted his first Grand Slam trophy at the 2005 French Open – an event he won another 13 times.
Now, all that remains for the 38-year-old is teaming up with Carlos Alcaraz and others at the Davis Cup as Spain play the Netherlands before, potentially, the semi-finals and final of the competition.
Roger Federer – 41 (2022)
Federer’s longevity was remarkable. He won his first Slam at Wimbledon in 2003 and his last of 20 at the 2018 Australian Open.
His final event was the 2022 Laver Cup in London and his last match was a three-set doubles defeat, alongside Nadal, against Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe.
Pete Sampras – 32 (2003)
American tennis legend Pete Sampras emerged at the 1990 US Open, winning the tournament as a 19-year-old.
Sampras has 14 singles Grand Slam titles to his name, including seven Wimbledons. He announced his retirement in 2003.
Notable Mentions
The following list, including recently-retired Andy Murray and John McEnroe, shows that Nadal has done well to extend his career to the age of 38. The great Jimmy Connors is an anomaly.
- Jimmy Connors – 44 (1996
- Andy Murray – 37 (2024)
- Andre Agassi – 36 (2006)
- Ivan Lendl – 34 (1994)
- John McEnroe – 33 (1992)
- Bjorn Borg – 28 (1984)
Receive exclusive tennis news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
