What's happened
Rafael Nadal is set to retire after the Davis Cup finals in November 2024. He will face Novak Djokovic in a final exhibition match at the Six Kings Slam in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This marks the end of an illustrious career defined by his rivalry with Djokovic and numerous accolades.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Independent, Nadal's final competitive appearance will be at the Davis Cup finals, where he will partner with Carlos Alcaraz. Nadal expressed gratitude for his career, stating, 'I feel very well supported and loved all around the world.' Meanwhile, Alcaraz acknowledged the emotional weight of facing Nadal, saying, 'He was my idol, he is still my idol.' The South China Morning Post highlighted the financial stakes of the Six Kings Slam, noting that players receive substantial appearance fees, raising concerns about the ATP calendar's strain on top players. This sentiment was echoed by Alcaraz, who warned that an overloaded schedule 'will kill us.'
How we got here
Nadal announced his retirement on October 10, 2024, after a career filled with major titles, including Olympic golds. His last competitive appearance will be at the Davis Cup finals in Spain, where he will team up with Carlos Alcaraz.
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