After an illustrious career spanning 17 years, Rafael Nadal, the 'King of Clay', has announced his retirement. The Spaniard has inspired epic rivalries and captured the hearts of tennis fans around the world with his relentless athleticism, powerful shots, and mental strength. Winning a total of 22 Grand Slam titles, Nadal has cemented his place in the history of the sport. As we bid farewell to one of the greatest tennis players of all time, let's take a look back at his incredible journey, from his first French Open title at the age of 19 to his last, a 14th Roland Garros title at 36.
Rafael Nadal Retires from Tennis: A Legendary Career Ends
Rafael Nadal, the "King of Clay" and one of the greatest tennis players of all time, has announced his retirement after an illustrious career spanning 17 years. With 22 Grand Slam titles and countless other accolades to his name, Nadal has left an enduring legacy in the sport.
Background
Born in Manacor, Mallorca, Spain in 1986, Nadal began playing tennis at the age of three. From an early age, he displayed exceptional talent and a relentless determination. At just 19 years old, he captured his first Grand Slam title at the 2005 French Open, becoming the youngest men's singles champion in the tournament's history.
Over the next decade, Nadal dominated the clay surface, winning an unprecedented 14 French Open titles. He also won two Wimbledon titles, four US Open titles, and two Australian Open titles, becoming only the second man in history to win all four Grand Slams.
Epic Rivalries
Nadal's career was marked by intense rivalries with two other tennis legends: Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic. The trio pushed each other to new heights, creating some of the most memorable matches in tennis history.
Top 5 FAQs
1. Why did Rafael Nadal retire?
Nadal retired due to a chronic foot injury that had been affecting his performance in recent years. He had undergone multiple surgeries and treatments, but the pain and discomfort became too severe to continue playing at the highest level.
2. What are Nadal's greatest achievements?
Nadal's most significant achievements include:
3. Who is Nadal's greatest rival?
Rafael Nadal's greatest rival is Roger Federer. The two players have met 40 times, with Nadal holding a 24-16 advantage. Their matches were intense, competitive, and often decided by the finest of margins.
4. How old is Rafael Nadal?
Rafael Nadal is 36 years old and turned 37 in June 2023.
5. What are Nadal's plans after retirement?
Nadal has not announced any specific plans for his future, but he has expressed interest in spending more time with his wife and family. He has also hinted at potentially pursuing a career in coaching or sports management.
Conclusion
Rafael Nadal's retirement marks the end of an era in tennis. His relentless spirit, exceptional athleticism, and inspiring play have captivated fans worldwide. As we say goodbye to one of the greatest players in the sport's history, we celebrate his remarkable legacy and thank him for the memories he has given us.
President Donald Trump is meeting with leaders of five Central Asian countries to discuss their vast reserves of rare earth metals, while also addressing a key point of friction in ongoing trade negotiations with China. The meeting comes on the heels of Trump's talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, where China agreed to delay their new export restrictions on rare earth elements. The U.S. is now seeking new ways to secure critical minerals, and the region is hoping for investment to develop their resources further.
US President Donald Trump has expressed concern over the tone of incoming New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani's victory speech, calling it "angry" and advising him to adopt a more cooperative approach. In response, Mamdani has urged Trump to "turn the volume up" and vowed to hold "bad landlords" accountable, citing Trump as an example. Trump has hinted at offering limited federal help to New York under Mamdani's leadership, but has also expressed doubt towards the mayor-elect's left-leaning policies. This clash between the two leaders marks a tense beginning to their relationship.
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar flagged off 14 participants from 7 countries as part of the International Election Visitors’ Programme 2025 to witness voting in the Phase-I of the Bihar Assembly Elections. The participants attended an inaugural session and were provided with a demonstration of the EVMs and a presentation on various aspects of elections in India. The participants will then embark on a two-day tour of Bihar to visit EVM dispatch centers and witness the actual polling on November 6. Since 2014, the IEVP has been showcasing the strengths of India's electoral system and sharing best practices with international election management bodies. The first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections, featuring 121 constituencies and over 3 crore voters, will be held on November 6.
The recent police raid in Brazil, which resulted in one of the deadliest operations in Rio's history, has sparked outrage and protests. Families of the victims claimed that their loved ones were executed by the police, while the government celebrates it as a win against crime. Shocking images of bodies lined up in the street have led to widespread protests and accusations of police brutality. However, official reports and videos of victims' bodies suggest that the deaths were not a result of armed conflict, raising questions about the excessive use of force by the police.
Four people have died and 11 have been injured after a UPS cargo plane crashed near Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport in Kentucky. All flights in and out of the airport have been suspended as police and emergency services are attending the scene. Kentucky governor Andy Beshear has described the accident as "catastrophic" and is urging residents to obey any shelter-in-place orders.
Eight people have been killed and numerous others injured after a passenger train collided with a goods train in Chhattisgarh. The accident occurred in the afternoon, halting train services on the route and prompting the cancellation or diversion of multiple trains. Emergency teams have been dispatched to the scene, with rescue operations ongoing and medical treatment being provided to the injured passengers. Helpline numbers have been issued for convenience, and the railway authorities have assured that all efforts are being made to assist those affected by the tragedy.
Today, 5 November 2025, marks the 556th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism. As we celebrate this sacred and highly revered festival, let us remember and spread the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, which promote compassion, humility, and love for all. To commemorate this occasion, indianexpress.com has compiled heartfelt wishes and messages to share with friends and family, wishing everyone endless happiness, peace, and prosperity.
During the Emerging Science Technology and Innovation Conclave, PM Modi announced the launch of the Rs 1 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation Fund. This fund, under the Department of Science and Technology, aims to encourage private sector investments in R&D to drive India's vision of becoming an innovation-driven nation. With this fund, India's R&D expenditure has doubled in the last decade and the country now has the world's third-largest startup ecosystem. PM Modi also highlighted how India's domestic capability has accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic due to its successful digital public infrastructure.
A stampede at the Kasibugga Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Andhra Pradesh has left 10 dead and two injured. The temple had recently reopened and was experiencing high footfall due to a festival. Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha has ordered a thorough investigation into the causes of the tragedy and has promised strict measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
India and the United States have strengthened their already strong ties by signing a 10-year framework for their major defense partnership. The agreement, signed during a bilateral meeting between the two countries' defense ministers, emphasizes the importance of this partnership in maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region. This marks a significant step in solidifying the bond between India and the US in the defense sector.