Rafael Nadal, one of the vital iconic figures in our sport, ended his profession in November. It was a memorable and emotional second for the tennis world, with the last word warrior leaving the scene after 24 skilled seasons.
Nadal has once more captured consideration by showing in Google’s Yr in Search 2024 video. The annual video highlights unforgettable moments and people that outlined the 12 months. Nadal’s inclusion cements his place as a worldwide icon and highlights his legacy.
The clip showcases a poignant second from Rafa’s Olympic Video games marketing campaign at Roland Garros, waving to the gang after his last match in Paris. This memorable scene goes with the caption, “Those we cannot overlook,” completely reflecting the sentiment of Rafa’s followers.
Nadal’s presence within the video is a testomony to his enduring legacy as a champion and a beloved sportsman. With quite a few titles, unmatched ardour and a profession that has impressed generations, Rafa continues to obtain immense love and recognition
His look within the Yr in Search 2024 video is one other proof!
Nadal featured on Google’s Yr in Search 2024 pic.twitter.com/5nEQo2gSX3
— Reva (@VamossssRafa) December 15, 2024
Nadal’s last push in 2024
Rafa claimed his twenty second Main title on the 2022 Roland Garros. Nobody might have predicted it could be his final ATP title in a profession! Nadal skilled an belly harm at Wimbledon and struggled by the tip of the season. He completed as world no. 2 behind Carlos Alcaraz.
With no kind in his legs, Rafa made a sluggish begin to the 2023 season. He skilled a left hip harm within the second spherical of the Australian Open and ruined the closing levels of his profession! Nadal underwent surgical procedure and missed the remainder of the 12 months.
Keen to finish his profession on his personal phrases, the Spaniard labored laborious within the second a part of the 12 months and returned to motion within the first week of 2024. The legend ousted two rivals in Brisbane earlier than blowing three match factors in opposition to Jordan Thompson.
They battled for 3 and a half hours, and Nadal felt ache round his troubled hip. Risking nothing after essentially the most prolonged break from tennis of his profession, the Spaniard withdrew from the Australian Open and returned house.
Extra points waited across the nook for the 22-time Main winner. He injured his belly muscle tissues in February and stayed away from the court docket till April. The king of clay couldn’t produce his greatest tennis on his beloved surfaces, which is the primary motive he retired.
Nadal entered Barcelona, Madrid, Rome and Roland Garros, his favourite clay occasions on the calendar. Nonetheless, he scored solely 5 wins, three in Madrid. Competing at Roland Garros for the final time, the Spaniard drew world no. 4 Alexander Zverev within the first spherical.
The 14-time champion gave every little thing in a 6-3, 7-6, 6-3 loss after three hours and 5 minutes. Thus, he skilled his earliest Roland Garros exit in his nineteenth and final journey to Paris.
The ultimate Olympic dance
Nadal skipped the grass season, which didn’t shock anybody. He stayed on clay and skilled forward of Bastad and the Olympic Video games. The Spaniard returned to Sweden after 19 years and reached the ultimate, his first in over two years. Rafa stopped the clock and handed 4 obstacles.
He endured an enormous battle in opposition to Mariano Navone and refused to withdraw. Rafa scored one other win earlier than taking 5 video games in opposition to Nuno Borges within the title conflict, operating out of steam and ending runner-up. Nadal returned to Paris for the Olympic Video games.
He had points together with his proper thigh, which didn’t forestall him from getting into each attracts. Rafa beat Marton Fucsovics within the first spherical in singles, arranging the conflict in opposition to Novak Djokovic. It was their sixtieth and final match on the Tour, and Novak was the favourite.
The Serb defeated the Spaniard 6-1, 6-4, making a flying begin and sealing the cope with a late break within the second set. Nadal accomplished within the doubles draw alongside Carlos Alcaraz, and so they reached the quarter-final.
Rafa’s final match
Nadal missed the US Open and the Laver Cup. He introduced his retirement in October, which saddened the total tennis world. Rafa picked the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga as his final occasion, competing within the nationwide jersey twenty years after debuting in 2004!
The legend labored laborious to form up his kind and assist his nation chase the title. Nonetheless, he fell to Botic van de Zandschulp 6-4, 6-4 in Spain’s quarter-final loss to the Netherlands. Thus, he suffered his second Davis Cup singles loss and ended his profession.
Nadal misplaced serve 3 times and responded with a single break within the second set. They served properly within the opening eight video games of the duel. Botic made a push on the return at 4-4, touchdown a backhand winner on a break level and transferring in entrance.
The Dutchman wrapped up the opening set with a service winner in sport ten for 6-4 in 46 minutes. Rafa made a sluggish begin to the second set, losing a sport level and struggling the second straight break. The house favourite overcame deuces within the third sport.
He diminished the deficit however struggled once more at 1-3. Van de Zandschulp cracked a forehand crosscourt winner for a break and an enormous 4-1 benefit. The 22-time Main winner didn’t wish to depart the stage with out giving every little thing!
Nadal grabbed his solely break within the sixth sport, pulling one break again and decreasing the hole to 4-2. The veteran denied a break level within the seventh sport with a smash winner and closed it with a service winner for 3-4. Rafa received the opening two factors on the return within the eighth level.
Nonetheless, Botic fired up his serve and claimed 4 straight factors, holding and transferring 5-3 in entrance. The Dutchman served for the win at 5-4 and fired a strong serve for a match level. He drew Rafa’s mistake, incomes a win and terminating the legend’s tennis journey.
