Rafael Nadal is one of the greatest tennis players to have ever graced the game. He has won 22 Grand Slams and once held the record for most titles in majors in men’s tennis. Nadal had achieved the feat after winning the French Open in 2022.

As far as the French Open is concerned, he has won the clay-court major 14 times and his record at Roland Garros is second to none. But Nadal has gone through a lot of hardships because of issues over his fitness. His struggles began after he pulled out of the Wimbledon 2022 semi-final due to an abdominal muscle injury.

Nadal played in the Australian Open next year but crashed out in the second round after losing to Mackenzie McDonald. Thereafter, he returned to Grand Slams after more than a year, but looked a pale shadow of his glorious self.

2024 has not been pleasant for Nadal by any means. Given his form, fitness, and age, it needs a Herculean effort from him to return to his best. It goes without saying that Nadal is at the fag end of his career.

When will Rafael Nadal retire?

Over the last 12 months, Nadal has repeatedly iterated that he would not think deep into the future. The Spaniard has taken small steps to decide on his participation in tournaments. He did not play in the Australian Open and Wimbledon, and is also set to miss the upcoming US Open.

It would not be a surprise if Nadal calls time on his career after the French Open next year. There could not be a more perfect platform for Nadal to bid goodbye to tennis since Roland Garros is where Nadal has tasted majority of his success.

Nadal recently played in the Paris Olympics where he lost to Novak Djokovic in the second round. He also showed his class in men’s doubles while partnering Carlos Alcaraz.