Men's Tennis

After retiring from competition following the 2024 Olympics, Andy Murray is getting back into tennis as a coach for one of his longtime rivals.

Novak Djokovic announced on Saturday that Murray will work with him as he prepares for the Australian Open.

He never liked retirement anyway. 🙌 pic.twitter.com/Ga4UlV2kQW

— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) November 23, 2024

"I'm going to be joining Novak's team in the off season, helping him to prepare for the Australian Open. I'm really excited for it and looking forward to spending time on the same side of the net as Novak for a change, helping him to achieve his goals," Murray said (h/t The Athletic's Callum Davis).

Murray and Djokovic are both 37 years old, born exactly one week apart in 1987. Despite being the same age, Djokovic actually turned pro first in 2003. It wasn't until 2005 when Murray began competing at the top level.

They are two of the most decorated players of this era. Murray was a three-time grand slam singles champion and three-time Olympic medalist, including back-to-back golds in 2012 and 2016.

Djokovic's 24 grand slam singles titles are the most ever for a men's player.

The 2024 season marked just the second time Djokovic didn't win at least one of the four major tournaments in the past 13 years (2017). He made up for it by winning his first Olympic gold medal at the Paris Games in August.

Djokovic announced in March he had parted ways with longtime coach Goran Ivanišević. The pair had been working together for six years, but Djokovic started 2024 losing in the Australian Open semifinals and third round at Indian Wells.

The last few years of Murray's playing career were marred by injuries. His final event was playing doubles with Daniel Evans at the Olympics. The duo advanced to the quarterfinals before losing to Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul.

Djokovic and Murray had a friendly rivalry on the court. They played 36 head-to-head matches from 2005 to '22. Djokovic had a 25-11 advantage over Murray, with five wins in grand slam finals.

Rafael Nadal called it a career on Tuesday after more than two decades of tennis excellence.

He announced in October that the Davis Cup would be his final professional event, and he lost 6-4, 6-4 to the Netherlands' Botic van de Zandschulp on Tuesday, bringing his career to a close.

After dozens of wins and accomplishments, Nadal reflected on how he'd like to be remembered.

"I want to be remembered as good person and a kid who followed their dreams and achieved more than I ever believed possible," Nadal said, per ESPN's Tom Hamilton.

Nadal, who won 22 men's Grand Slam titles, said earlier this week that he "could no longer reach the competitive level he felt was required to continue to challenge for some of the sport's biggest honors," per Hamilton.

The legendary tennis player spent the last few years of his career battling injuries. He missed almost an entire year because of a hip injury and played just 24 matches since the start of 2023.

Many wondered if Nadal would play in the Davis Cup after not having played a competitive match since the Olympics in August, but he ultimately got to close out his career representing his home country of Spain.

"The titles and numbers are there so people probably know that, but the way I would like to be remembered is being a good person from a small village in Mallorca where I had the luck to have my uncle as a tennis coach," Nadal said after the loss. "I had a great family who supported me in every moment. I was a kid who followed their dreams, worked as hard as possible to be where I am today. At the end of the day, a lot of people try their best every single day, but I'm very lucky to have the life I have to live because of tennis."

While Nadal couldn't end his career with a win, he has more than enough accomplishments to look back at.

Rafael Nadal's legendary career came to an end on Tuesday when he lost 6-4, 6-4 to the Netherlands' Botic van de Zandschulp in the Davis Cup.

The 38-year-old announced in October that the Davis Cup would be his last professional event.

After his final match, the tennis world saluted him. Serena Williams, Roger Federer and more showed him love on social media.

Serena Williams decked out in Rafa Nadal gear today with a beautiful message for him:

“We’re gonna always love you. We’re gonna always miss you. This isn’t a retirement right? You’re moving on.”

🐐 supporting a 🐐

My heart. 🥹

(via @serenawilliams) pic.twitter.com/GB2pbQAhTW

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) November 19, 2024

Vamos, @RafaelNadal!
 
As you get ready to graduate from tennis, I’ve got a few things to share before I maybe get emotional.
 
Let’s start with the obvious: you beat me—a lot. More than I managed to beat you. You challenged me in ways no one else could. On clay, it felt like I…

— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) November 19, 2024

From one sporting icon to another ❤️

David Beckham with a heartfelt tribute to the retiring Rafael Nadal.#graciasrafa #daviscup pic.twitter.com/2MDh72vWM8

— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) November 19, 2024

today, I am from spain 🇪🇸 #rafa

— Coco Gauff (@CocoGauff) November 19, 2024

🥲 https://t.co/hlqZbZvzpP

— Coco Gauff (@CocoGauff) November 19, 2024

Over the course of his career, Nadal won two Australian Opens, 14 French Opens, four US Opens and was a two-time champion at Wimbledon. He became the youngest male tennis player to win a Career Grand Slam when he beat Novak Djokovic in the US Open final in 2010.

Nadal was a two-time gold medalist at the Olympics, winning for Spain in 2008 and 2016, and held the record for the most Grand Slam men's singles titles with 22 before Djokovic won his 23rd.

Though Nadal had a historic career, injuries were a major factor over the last few years. He was limited to just 24 matches since the start of 2023 and missed almost the entire year prior with a hip injury.

He addressed how injuries played into his decision to retire when he made his announcement last month.

"The reality is that it has been some difficult years, these last two especially," he said. "I don't think I have been able to play without limitations. It is obviously a difficult decision, one that has taken me some time to make. But in this life, everything has a beginning and an end. And I think it's the appropriate time to put an end to a career that has been long and much more successful than I ever could have imagined."

Mil gracias a todos
Many thanks to all
Merci beaucoup à tous
Grazie mille à tutti
谢谢大家
شكرا لكم جميعا
תודה לכולכם
Obrigado a todos
Vielen Dank euch allen
Tack alla
Хвала свима
Gràcies a tots pic.twitter.com/7yPRs7QrOi

— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) October 10, 2024

While injuries derailed the last few years of his career, there's no denying all that Nadal accomplished in his two-plus decades in the sport.

Rafael Nadal's legendary tennis career came to an end on Tuesday.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion lost 6-4, 6-4 to the Netherlands' Botic van de Zandschulp in the Davis Cup. Nadal said in October that the tournament final would be his last professional event.

Spain was later eliminated from the Davis Cup after Carlos Alcaraz and Marcel Granollers lost to Wesley Koolhof and Van de Zandschulp.

Rafa Nadal, you've been exceptional.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion has just played his final tournament.

What a player, what a career. pic.twitter.com/AZb9c0pHdk

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) November 19, 2024

"It's in some ways good maybe if that was my last match," Nadal said, per Tumaini Carayol of the Guardian. "...I lost my first match in the Davis Cup, and I lost my last one. So we close the circle."

Nadal has dealt with a number of injuries over the past two years that have taken a toll on him on the court. He played just 24 matches since the start of 2023 after missing almost an entire year with a hip injury. The weight of his injuries was prevalent over his final two years, especially in Tuesday's loss.

When he announced his retirement in October, he noted the strain injuries have caused him in recent years.

"The reality is that it has been some difficult years, these last two especially," Nadal said. "I don't think I have been able to play without limitations. It is obviously a difficult decision, one that has taken me some time to make. But in this life, everything has a beginning and an end. And I think it's the appropriate time to put an end to a career that has been long and much more successful than I ever could have imagined."

Mil gracias a todos
Many thanks to all
Merci beaucoup à tous
Grazie mille à tutti
谢谢大家
شكرا لكم جميعا
תודה לכולכם
Obrigado a todos
Vielen Dank euch allen
Tack alla
Хвала свима
Gràcies a tots pic.twitter.com/7yPRs7QrOi

— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) October 10, 2024

While the last two years of his career didn't go how he had hoped, he still leaves the sport having accomplished almost everything he could have asked for.

He won his first career grand slam in 2010 when he defeated rival Novak Djokovic in the U.S. Open final, becoming the youngest male tennis player to win all four major titles. From there, he won two Australian Opens, 14 French Opens, four U.S. Opens and was a two-time champion at Wimbledon.

He held the record for the most major men's singles titles with 22 until Djokovic surpassed him. He also won Olympic gold medals for Spain in 2008 and 2016.

As tennis legend Rafael Nadal prepares to retire from the sport with his final tournament at the Davis Cup in Malaga, Spain this week, he received a tribute from a longtime rival.

Fellow all-time tennis great Roger Federer praised Nadal in a lengthy letter posted on social media ahead of his last professional appearances:

Roger Federer's retirement letter to Rafael Nadal is somehow even more classy than you would expect 👏 pic.twitter.com/6F4MwElhHP

— Joe Pompliano (@JoePompliano) November 19, 2024

Federer and Nadal first faced each other at the 2004 Miami Open before embarking on an incredible run of dominance at the highest level of the sport. The two of them, along with Novak Djokovic, took home most of the men's singles Grand Slam titles for the better part of two decades. In their head-to-head battles, Nadal earned 24 victories to Federer's 16.

"As you get ready to graduate from tennis, I've got a few things to share before I maybe get emotional," Federer wrote. "Let's start with the obvious: you beat me – a lot. More than I managed to beat you. You challenged me in ways no one else could."

Federer also praised Nadal's prowess on clay courts, which helped him win a record 14 French Open titles out of his 22 career Grand Slam victories.

"On clay, it felt like I was stepping into your backyard, and you made me work harder than I ever thought I could just to hold my ground," Federer stated. "You made me reimagine my game—even going so far as to change the size of my racquet head, hoping for any edge."

When Federer retired from tennis in 2022, he had the opportunity to play alongside his rival in his final match when he and Nadal teamed together to represent Team Europe at the Laver Cup.

"It meant everything to me that you were there by my side—not as my rival but as my doubles partner," Federer wrote. "Sharing the court with you that night, and sharing those tears, will forever be one of the most special moments of my career."

Similarly, Nadal will be ending his career without chasing individual accolades while he plays for Spain at the Davis Cup, which is a team event. Nadal will lead his squad against the Netherlands in the semifinals on Tuesday.

Federer concluded his letter by writing, "Rafa, I know you're focused on the last stretch of your epic career. We will talk when it's done. For now, I just want to congratulate your family and team, who all played a massive role in your success. And I want you to know that your old friend is always cheering for you, and will be cheering just as loud for everything you do next."

Rafael Nadal doesn't want to be a ceremonial figure at November's Davis Cup and revealed he won't play in the singles competition unless he believes he can win.

"Emotionally, I'm sure I'll be ready," he said, per ESPN's Tom Hamilton. "Physically and in terms of tennis level, there remains a month left to prepare. I will try to be in good shape to help the team to win. If I don't feel ready for the singles, I'll be the first one to say.

"Be 100% sure, I will not be on court if I don't feel ready to win my match."

Nadal announced earlier this month that he will retire from tennis following the Davis Cup:

Mil gracias a todos
Many thanks to all
Merci beaucoup à tous
Grazie mille à tutti
谢谢大家
شكرا لكم جميعا
תודה לכולכם
Obrigado a todos
Vielen Dank euch allen
Tack alla
Хвала свима
Gràcies a tots pic.twitter.com/7yPRs7QrOi

— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) October 10, 2024

The all-time legend will be part of the Spain team that is matched up against the Netherlands in the quarterfinals. The other quarterfinal matches pit the United States against Australia, Italy against Argentina, and Germany against Canada.

If Nadal doesn't play in the singles competition, he could partner with Carlos Alcaraz in the doubles tournament. He partnered with Alcaraz during the 2024 Paris Olympics and reached the quarterfinals.

Regardless of whether Nadal plays in the Davis Cup, he is one of the sport's greatest legends and is walking away with a resume that few can match.

He has 22 Grand Slam titles and 92 singles titles. Only Novak Djokovic (24) has more Grand Slam singles titles among men's players, and Nadal became almost synonymous with the French Open because of his overwhelming dominance at the event.

He won the tournament a record 14 times and further cemented his legacy as the King of Clay.

Tennis fans surely want to see Nadal take the court for a final time in singles competition at the Davis Cup, but he still wants to win if he does.

One of Rafael Nadal's biggest on-court rivals is wishing him well into retirement.

Novak Djokovic took to social media Thursday to offer his "respect" and best wishes to Nadal following the latter's retirement announcement.

Rafa, one post is not enough to express the respect I have for you and what you have done for our sport. You have inspired millions of children to start playing tennis and I think that’s probably greatest achievement anyone can wish for. Your tenacity, dedication, fighting spirit… pic.twitter.com/HO9kUkyccN

— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) October 10, 2024

"You have inspired millions of children to start playing tennis and I think that's probably greatest achievement anyone can wish for," Djokovic wrote. "Your tenacity, dedication, fighting spirit is going to be taught for decades. Your legacy will live forever."

The post comes after Nadal revealed in a social media announcement that he is stepping away from tennis following next month's Davis Cup:

Mil gracias a todos
Many thanks to all
Merci beaucoup à tous
Grazie mille à tutti
谢谢大家
شكرا لكم جميعا
תודה לכולכם
Obrigado a todos
Vielen Dank euch allen
Tack alla
Хвала свима
Gràcies a tots pic.twitter.com/7yPRs7QrOi

— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) October 10, 2024

The trio of Nadal, Djokovic and Roger Federer helped define an entire era of men's tennis, as it became a surprise during their peaks when anyone else won a tournament.

It was only fitting that both Djokovic and Federer offered messages when their counterpart walked away. Federer also responded with a message that said, in part, "thank you for the unforgettable memories and all your incredible achievements in the game we love. It's been an absolute honor!"

Roger Federer to Rafa Nadal after announcing his retirement from tennis.

Always supporting each other til the very end. 🥹 pic.twitter.com/qQNkCler2k

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) October 10, 2024

That the 38-year-old Nadal is walking away at this time isn't particularly surprising.

He missed much of the 2023 campaign with a hip injury and was also sidelined for the Australian Open and the grass-court season this year, including Wimbledon. He also missed the U.S. Open and lost in the first round of the French Open.

The highlight of Nadal's 2024 season likely came at the Paris Olympics, where he represented Spain and advanced to the quarterfinals in doubles with partner Carlos Alcaraz.

Still, he is one of the sport's all-time legends and hangs it up with a resume that includes 22 Grand Slam titles and 92 singles titles. His 92 singles titles rank fifth in the history of men's tennis, and Djokovic is the only men's player with more Grand Slam titles with 24.

It was Nadal's singular dominance at the French Open that largely helped define his career, although he won all four of the major championships at least two times.

He won a record 14 French Open titles and became such a sporting legend in the country that he was part of the torch-lighting process during the Opening Ceremonies of the 2024 Paris Olympics.

As for the rivalry with Djokovic, Nadal went 29-31 overall in their head-to-head matchups with the most recent one coming in the round of 32 in the Olympics singles competition. Djokovic won that one after Nadal defeated him in their previous matchup at the French Open in 2022.

Having previously teased retirement without wanting to use that specific term, Rafael Nadal has confirmed his legendary tennis career will come to an end after playing in the Davis Cup next month.

Nadal announced his decision in a video posted on social media.

Mil gracias a todos
Many thanks to all
Merci beaucoup à tous
Grazie mille à tutti
谢谢大家
شكرا لكم جميعا
תודה לכולכם
Obrigado a todos
Vielen Dank euch allen
Tack alla
Хвала свима
Gràcies a tots pic.twitter.com/7yPRs7QrOi

— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) October 10, 2024

Nadal missed most of the 2023 season due to a hip injury before returning to action in December. He hinted at that time that the 2024 campaign could be his last but made a point of not saying anything definitive.

"The problem about saying it's going to be my last season is that I can't predict what's going on 100 percent in the future," Nadal said. "That's the thing. That's why I say probably."

A muscle injury kept Nadal from playing in the Australian Open. He returned in April and played in the French Open, losing in the first round to Alexander Zverev. That defeat also brought up questions about his future, and he declined to offer specific answers:

"I went through all this process with the dream to be back here in Roland Garros. For me it is difficult to say what is going on in the future. It is a big percentage that I will not be back playing here, but I cannot say 100 percent. I enjoy playing here. The body is feeling a little better than two months ago, so…maybe in two months I say 'it's enough,' but this is something I don't feel yet."

Nadal skipped the grass-court season, including Wimbledon, and elected not to play in the U.S. Open. He did represent Spain at the Olympics, reaching the quarterfinals in doubles with partner Carlos Alcaraz.

Now at 38 years old, Nadal has been playing tennis professionally since 2001. He won his first ATP title in 2003, followed by winning the Davis Cup with Spain in 2004.

Nadal won the first of his 22 Grand Slam singles titles in 2005 at the French Open. His mastery on clay courts allowed him to win a record 14 singles titles at Roland Garros over the course of his career.

Rafa Nadal will end his career with an almost unbelievable record at Roland Garros.

112 wins, 4 losses.

14 titles.

His dominance at this tournament transcended tennis itself.

It is arguably the most dominant any athlete has ever been at any given arena in any sport.

An… pic.twitter.com/hqED6dMLQK

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) October 10, 2024

Roger Federer to Rafa Nadal after announcing his retirement from tennis.

Always supporting each other til the very end. 🥹 pic.twitter.com/qQNkCler2k

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) October 10, 2024

Rafa won all four Grand Slam tournaments at least twice in his career, making him one of only four men's players to accomplish that feat. Roy Emerson, Rod Laver and Novak Djokovic are the others.

Nadal's 92 career singles titles are the fifth-most by a men's player during the Open Era.

Spain will play the Netherlands in the 2024 Davis Cup quarterfinals on Nov. 19 at Martin Carpena Arena in Málaga, Spain.

Rafael Nadal's 2024 season could be over after withdrawing from Team Europe at the Laver Cup that will begin on Sept. 20.

In a statement released on Thursday, Nadal explained he is "really disappointed" not to participate and his decision stemmed from needing "to do what's best for them and at this moment there are other players who can help the team deliver the win."

A statement from @RafaelNadal regarding Laver Cup Berlin 2024: “I’m really disappointed to share that I won’t be able to compete at the Laver Cup in Berlin next week.

This is a team competition and to really support Team Europe, I need to do what’s best for them and at this… pic.twitter.com/Y9i0T61kbA

— Laver Cup (@LaverCup) September 12, 2024

There is no indication that Nadal suffered an injury. The 38-year-old last played singles and doubles with Carlos Alcaraz at the Olympics. He lost to Novak Djokovic in the second round of the men's singles competition in Paris.

Nadal and Alcaraz advanced to the quarterfinal before Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram ended their run.

A hip injury limited Nadal to just one tournament during the 2023 season. He returned to action in December at the Brisbane International, but a muscle injury sidelined him for another four months.

Following his first-round loss to Alexander Zverev at the French Open, Nadal didn't provide a direct answer when asked about the possibility of retiring.

"Don't assume that," Nadal told reporters. "It's a big, big chance that it's going to be my last Roland Garros. But if I have to tell you it's 100 percent my last Roland Garros? Sorry, but I will not because I cannot predict what's going on."

Nadal was going to be on Team Europe with Alcaraz, Zverev, Daniil Medvedev, Casper Ruud and Stefanos Tsitsipas. A replacement has not yet been added to the team.

This was going to be Nadal's fourth appearance in the Laver Cup. He previously played at the inaugural event in 2017, 2019 and 2022, posting a combined record of 3-4 in singles and doubles matches.

Team World will be comprised of Taylor Fritz, Frances Tiafoe, Ben Shelton, Francisco Cerundolo, Thanasi Kokkinakis and Alejandro Tabilo.

The European team won the first four Laver Cup titles, but Team World has taken home the crown in each of the past two years. The 13-2 score last year was the second-largest margin of victory in the history of the event (14-1 in 2021).

This year's Laver Cup will be played from Sept. 20-22 at Uber Arena in Berlin, Germany.

Taylor Fritz is about to take the court at Arthur Ashe Stadium, carrying the weight of American men's tennis on his shoulders.

On Sunday, with a win in the U.S. Open final, Fritz would become the first American man to win a Grand Slam since Andy Roddick won the 2003 U.S. Open.

But before he can look too far ahead, he has a date with top-seed Jannik Sinner.

When: Sunday, September 8 at 2:00 p.m. EST

Where: Arthur Ashe Stadium in Flushing, New York

TV: ABC

Streaming: ESPN+ and ESPN Deportes

Fritz and Sinner have only faced off twice, splitting the two matches.

Since their last match in 2023, Sinner has developed into arguably the best hard-court player on tour.

The Italian has won 34 of 36 matches on the hard-court surface this season, including raising his first career major title at the Australian Open and two additional Masters ATP 1000 titles on hard-court surfaces (Miami Open, Cincinnati Open).

Meanwhile, Fritz is playing in just his first Grand Slam final, but the home crowd is behind him.

The top-seeded American has been impressive throughout the Open, earning wins against Alexander Zverev and, most recently, Frances Tiafoe, a match in which he had to come back from a two-set-to-one deficit.

Fritz has the strength and ability to compete with Sinner, but the physicality and consistency required for this match are beyond his usual capabilities.

Considering the way Sinner has played within the last year, it would take a near herculean effort from the 26-year-old to pull off the upset.

Prediction: Sinner in four sets