Rafael Nadal Retires at Davis Cup Finals

Rafael Nadal, the 22-time Grand Slam champion, officially retired during the Davis Cup Finals, marking the end of a storied career that suffered from injuries in recent years. Ashleigh Barty paid tribute to Nadal, recalling her first encounter with him as an overwhelmed teenager and expressing gratitude for his support during challenging times. Veronika Kudermetova reflected on the sadness of witnessing a legend like Nadal leave the sport, while Mark Petchy emphasized that Nadal deserved a more fitting farewell given his monumental impact on tennis and sports in general. Niland, another figure in tennis, achieved recognition with his book 'The Racket,' which sheds light on the struggles faced by lower-ranked players. As Nadal contemplates his next steps, he remains appreciative of his career despite its difficult conclusion.