“I’m here to let you know that I’m retiring from professional tennis” – this one line has now erupted the tennis world! It gives us a flashback of all the memories we had with Rafael Nadal throughout these illustrious 23 years in his career. Rafael Nadal has officially announced his retirement from that racquet sport. He revealed that he’ll retire after competing in the Davis Cup finals in Malaga in November. Shortly after making this announcement, he was seen thanking his wife and mother for their continuous support throughout his journey.

Rafael Nadal released a small video clip in which he said, “My family is everything to me. My mother, I think she has made all the sacrifices she had to make so that we could always have everything. My wife, Mery, we’ve been together for 19 years. Thank you for everything you have done. I think you’ve been the perfect travel companion during all these years of my career.”

Nadal became a father for the first time in October 2022. During that time, unfortunately for the tennis star was on Tour so his wife, Maria Francisca Perello literally had to go through the journey alone. Reflecting on her love and support towards his tennis career, Rafael Nadal once said, “Luckily, I have a woman who is brave and she has always helped me in everything I could and more, and she has always encouraged me to continue. So, in that sense, she made it easy for me.” Without her support, it perhaps would’ve been a bit difficult for Nadal to play tennis over such a long span.

Similarly, without his mother’s valuable life lessons, Rafael Nadal wouldn’t have been what he is today. For example, during the 2022 US Open, Nadal participated in a Q&A session with the fans which was anchored by Nick McCarvel and Blair Henley inside the Arthur Ashe Stadium. During the conversation, he revealed how his mother, made him choose between football, tennis, and schooling. “Well, my mother said I could not keep doing football, tennis, and school. She said, ‘pick two and school has to be one of them.‘” He picked the one that he felt ideal at the moment and the rest is history! Who else did Rafael Nadal mention in his recent speech while announcing his retirement?

Rafael Nadal believes being a father has literally changed his life in quite a few aspects. Earlier this year, during an interview, he explained on a sporting level being a father has changed him drastically. Reason? “Because since he has come into this world I have not won almost any match. That has changed me for the worse, sportingly speaking.” However, on the other side, i.e. in life, he believes it has changed him for the better. How? “Because in the end I have lost, I have been injured, but whatever happens, coming home and seeing him changes my mood,” said Nadal.

Reflecting on how his son has helped in his journey in the latter stages of his career, Rafael Nadal said, “To come home and see how my son is growing every day has been a force that has really kept me alive and with the necessary energy to continue.” During the same speech, while announcing his retirement, Rafa also highlighted the role of other family members in his career. He said he has always had an “incredible relationship” with his sister. We saw Maribel was in tears after seeing his brother bidding goodbye to the crowd in both Madrid and Paris. This depicts how deeply involved is his family in his career.

She has seen all the ups and downs in his career throughout these years. His uncle, Toni Nadal however, got a closer look at all his struggles and glorious days throughout these 23 years. From being a young lad to becoming 22 Grand Slam titles holder, Toni has seen it all from the stands. While thanking his uncle, Rafa said, “My uncle, who is the reason why I started playing tennis. I have also been able to overcome many situations that have been difficult in my sports career.” Last but not the least! He spoke a few lines about his father too.

Rafael Nadal’s father, Sebastian Nadal, is a successful businessman in Manacor. He is the owner of an insurance company, glass, and window company Vidres Mallorca. He also owns a restaurant called Sa Punta. His role in their upbringing is also quite enormous. “My father, who I believe has been the source of inspiration for me in every sense of the world. I think he has been an example of effort, of overcoming… Many many thanks to my father in a very, very special way.” Each and every member of his family had a special role in his career. Share your thoughts on Rafael Nadal’s incredible career.