Rafael Nadal retires (NYTimes/Athletic) article
NYT didn't give me a gift link option, so I hope this copy and paste works:
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5933496/2024/11/19/rafael-nadal-retires-tennis-career/
" Rafael Nadal’s professional tennis career is over, his final match a 6-4, 6-4 defeat to Botic van de Zandschulp of the Netherlands at the Davis Cup.
That defeat, coupled with Carlos Alcaraz and Marcel Granollers losing the doubles rubber 7-6(4), 7-6(3) to Wesley Koolhof and Van de Zandschulp, saw Spain eliminated from the Davis Cup and with it came the end for Nadal, one of the sport’s most successful players of all time, who confirmed that he would retire at the Davis Cup in October...
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"...“It has been an incredible privilege, an honor that we have enjoyed. We achieved so many things,” he said, addressing members of Spain’s tennis team past and present. Alcaraz looked crestfallen on the sidelines.
“Nobody ever wants to arrive at this moment — I am not tired of playing tennis,” Nadal said.
“My body has arrived at a place where it cannot play anymore. I feel privileged to have extended my career longer than I expected. Thanks to life and to my team,” he added..."
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Best wishes on the next phase of your life, Mr. Nadal.