• Loading stock data...
Thursday, February 6, 2025

Rafael Nadal to Retire: His Impact on Tennis, Endorsement Legacy

  • Nadal announced Thursday he will retire after the Davis Cup Finals in November.
  • The Spaniard will retire with 22 Grand Slam titles, the second most in men’s tennis history.
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The second member of tennis’s iconic Big Three is hanging it up.

Rafael Nadal announced Thursday through a clip posted on social media that he will retire from professional tennis following the Davis Cup Finals in November. He will finish his 23-year career with 22 Grand Slam titles, the second most in men’s tennis history behind Novak Djokovic and ahead of Roger Federer, who retired in 2022. He also sits between the two in all-time career earnings at $134.95 million.

“I think it’s an appropriate time to put an end to a career that has been long and much more successful than I could have ever imagined,” Nadal said in Spanish.

The announcement from Nadal, 38, did not come as a major surprise as over the last two years, the Spaniard has struggled to stay on the court. In 2024, he missed three of the four Grand Slam tournaments due to injury—and was ousted in the first round at Roland-Garros, where he won a record 14 titles and has a statue built outside the stadium.

“The reality is it has been some difficult years, these last two especially. I don’t think I have been able to play without limitations,” Nadal said.

Lasting Legacy

For all of Nadal’s star power and earnings on the court, he also created a legacy off it.

Nadal has earned an estimated $425 million in earnings from endorsements and appearances. His most iconic endorsement deal is with Nike, with whom he signed when he was just 13. In 2013, the Swoosh cemented Nadal’s status as a top endorser of the brand by unveiling his famous raging bull logo. Nadal, who spent 209 weeks at world No. 1, reportedly earned as much as $10 million a year from Nike during his prime.

Other endorsements he’s secured over the years include Babolat, Kita, and Richard Mille.

Nadal is also the most accomplished Spanish tennis player in history. Rising star Carlos Alcaraz, currently world No. 2, credited Nadal for his decision to go pro. 

“It is a really difficult thing, really difficult news for everybody, and even tougher for me. [Nadal] has been my idol since I start playing tennis. I look up to him. Proudly, thanks to him, I really wanted to become [a] professional tennis player,” Alcaraz told reporters in Shanghai on Thursday.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Seidler Approved As Padres Owner; Manfred on Dodgers Spending

Manfred also defends the Tampa market and the Dodgers’ offseason conduct.

NFL Exec: We’re Reaching More Fans Without Spreading Too Thin

NFL media executive Brian Rolapp is bullish on the evolution of streaming.

WM Phoenix Open Looks to Tame the Party After 2024 Chaos

The WM Phoenix Open has made several operational shifts this year.

Rays Receive Blunt Message From St. Pete Mayor: We’re Ready to Move..

More doubt creeps into the MLB club’s already fraught stadium deal.

Featured Today

‘Ultimate Throwback’: The Unimpeachable Cool of Hartford Whalers Gear

Nostalgia and street cred have driven a consistent frenzy for merch.
January 20, 2024; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Kristin Juszczyk, wife of San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk (44), before a 2024 NFC divisional round game against the Green Bay Packers at Levi's Stadium.
February 1, 2025

The New WAGs: Sports Wives Building Business Empires

Athletes’ wives and girlfriends are bucking stereotypes and cashing in.
Feb 3, 2019; Berkeley, CA, USA; California Golden Bears mascot dances on the court during a stoppage in play in the second half against the Stanford Cardinal at Haas Pavilion.
January 31, 2025

The Toll of Bicoastal Travel on New ACC Members Cal and Stanford

Cal and Stanford face missed flights, chaotic sleep schedules, and academic demands.
January 28, 2025

It’s Starting to Pay to Be Good at Cornhole

American Cornhole League players made $7.7 million in 2024.
Feb 1, 2025; Portland, Oregon, USA; Phoenix Suns power forward Kevin Durant (35) looks on during warm ups before the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center.

Rich Kleiman Says Kevin Durant Would ‘Potentially’ Play in New International League

Kleiman said a more relaxed schedule would benefit older players.
Jimmy Butler
February 5, 2025

Jimmy Butler Saga Ends With Trade to Warriors and $121 Million Contract

Two of the NBA’s longest-running plots were resolved Wednesday night.
Pete Alonso
February 5, 2025

Pete Alonso Finally Returns to Mets on $30 Million Pillow Contract

The slugger can be a free agent again next year.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) hugs Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (11) on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, during pregame warm-up at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
February 5, 2025

Colts WR Michael Pittman Jr. Calls for Full-Time NFL Refs

Game officials have gotten a lot of heat for bad calls this season.
February 5, 2025

Why 21 of WNBA’s 24 All-Stars Will Be Free Agents Next Year

The WNBA players’ union opted out of the CBA in October.
February 4, 2025

Mark Cuban Says He Did Not Know About Luka Dončić Trade

Cuban sold a majority stake of the Mavericks n 2023.
February 4, 2025

Travis Kelce Shuts Down Retirement Talk: Eyes Records, Off-Field Success

The Chiefs star spoke about his future during the Super Bowl Opening Night event.