2024 was the first time since 2022 that none of the Big Three won a Grand Slam, with Novak Djokovic only managing to win gold at Paris 2024.

Rafael Nadal announced his retirement recently, revealing the news via social media. The Spaniard’s final tournament will be the Davis Cup finals this November, marking an end to an illustrious career which saw him clinch 22 Grand Slam titles.

In a video, Nadal said, “I’m here to let you know that I am retiring from professional tennis. The reality is that it has been some difficult years, these last two especially. I don’t think I have been able to play without limitations. It is obviously a difficult decision, one that has taken me some time to make.”

He also revealed, “But 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.”

After Nadal’s retirement, Novak Djokovic will be the only active player from the Big Three. Speaking to the media team of Shanghai Masters, Roger Federer pointed out that he could feel a ‘change of guard’ in both women’s and men’s tennis.

“You can feel the changing of the guard: Serena Williams retired, Murray retired and Rafa is getting closer and closer. Novak had a tough year overall, but then he won the gold medal at the Olympics and achieved what he wanted. It was incredible for him to achieve that,” he said.

“You feel everything changing. Sinner and Alcaraz have won two Slams each, which shows that changes are happening. They are both very consistent and it’s great to watch them play. It was impressive to see Alcaraz live at the Laver Cup. He’s an incredible player and I think people will enjoy watching them,” he added.

2024 was the first time since 2022 that none of the Big Three won a Grand Slam, with Djokovic only managing to win gold at Paris 2024. Meanwhile, even Andy Murray retired after the Paris Olympics.

Ticket prices for Rafael Nadal’s final tournament has seen its prices soar in reselling platforms.

Rafael Nadal announced his retirement recently, revealing that he would last be in action in Spain’s Davis Cup tie vs Netherlands in November. He will be featuring alongside Carlos Alcaraz, Roberto Bautista Agut, Pablo Carreno Busta and Marcel Granollers.

As it will be the legend’s final tournament, fans have gone into a state of meltdown to book tickets for the event. Tickets on official platforms were sold out weeks ago as Nadal is pairing up with Alcaraz. But with the retirement announcement, resellers have seen prices skyrocket.

On Viagogo, price has reached 34500 Euros, which is ₹31 lakh approximately.

Announcing his retirement via a video on social media, Nadal said, “I’m here to let you know that I am retiring from professional tennis. The reality is that it has been some difficult years, these last two especially. I don’t think I have been able to play without limitations. 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.

“But 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.”

Nadal has been ranked world no. 1 in singles for 209 weeks and has ended as the year-end no. 1 five times. He has clinched 22 Grand Slam singles titles, whih also consists of a record-haul of 14 French Open trophies.

Nadal also has won 92 ATP-level singles titles, and an Olympic gold medal.

• Nadal announced retirement from tennis in October 2024
• Spaniard won 22 Grand Slam titles, including a record 14 French Open crowns
• Real Madrid the club Nadal is a lifelong supporter of, star has spoken previously about becoming club president

  With tennis legend Rafael Nadal’s retirement from the game now made official, all eyes are focused on what the ‘King of Clay’ will do next.

  Nadal revealed his decision to retire from professional tennis on Thursday 10 October, ending a glistening career that saw him win 22 Grand Slam titles – second on the all-time list behind Novak Djokovic – in total, 14 of which came at the French Open.

  The Spaniard’s racquet will officially be hung up after the Davis Cup finals are played out in November, but it’s not just his tennis prowess that he’s been known for.

  Indeed, Nadal has been the face of some of the world’s most iconic brands, including Nike – his signature headband a staple of his apparel ever since he burst onto the scene.

  One other area of interest for Nadal is his unadulterated love for Real Madrid. A lifelong supporter of the club, he is a close friend of club president Florentino Perez and is regularly seen attending games at the Santiago Bernabeu. He was made an honorary member in 2011.

  Nadal’s love for the club goes as far as perhaps taking over as president once Perez feels it eventually time to move on – a desire he confessed to Spanish outlet Movistar in September 2024.

  Could Rafael Nadal become Real Madrid’s next club president?

  “Would I like to be [president]? I think so,” he said. “I think I’d like to. But there are a lot of things. Right now there’s nothing to say because we have the best possible president [Perez].

“What I think today, I might not think tomorrow. There are lots of twists and turns in life. You have to know if you’re qualified to do this kind of thing. I’m quite realistic. I know my limitations. I don’t know if I’d be capable or not. Time will tell.”

Perez has spoken highly of Nadal in the past, despite the tennis great’s reservations about whether or not he could do the job, and went as far to say that he’d be a “magnificent choice” in 2018. “He is the best Spanish sportsman of all time, but beyond what he has achieved and continues to achieve in tennis, his figure represents the best values ​​of sport,” he continued.

“Real Madrid fans carry him in our hearts and we are proud to have a great ambassador for Madrid in the world.”

Whether or not Nadal actually comes to power remains to be seen, but there’s no question that his iconic status in sport would make him a hugely respected figure in boardrooms all around the world.