Rafael Nadal makes sudden Roland Garros U-turn after confirming retirement plans

Tennis legend Rafael Nadal announced on Thursday that he would be stepping away from the professional game next month, just weeks after refusing to rule out another Roland Garros appearance

Rafael Nadal has seemingly played his last match at Roland Garros after announcing his retirement from professional tennis.

But the 22 time Grand Slam champion did hint as recently as last month that another outing at The French Open was a possibility - even though he was close to retirement.

Nadal, 38, has been plagued by injuries throughout his career. Following hip surgery in 2023, the Spaniard conceded that 2024 was highly likely to be his final year on the professional circuit.

And he confirmed that he would bow out after next month's Davis Cup finals in an emotional statement released on Thursday morning. He said: "I am here to let you know I am retiring from professional tennis. The reality is that it has been some difficult years, the last two especially. 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. 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 could have ever imagined.

"I am very excited that my last tournament will be the final of the Davis Cup representing my country. I think I've come full circle since one of my first great joys as a professional tennis player was the Davis Cup final in Sevilla in 2004.

"I feel super lucky for all the things I've been able to experience. I want to thank the entire tennis industry. All the people involved in this sport, my long-time colleagues, especially my great rivals.

"I leave with absolute peace of mind of having given my best made every effort in every way. I can only end by saying a thousand thanks to all and see you soon."

Nadal's willingness to speak openly about his retirement plans has led to constant questions and speculation throughout the summer, where he competed in both the men's singles and doubles at the Paris Olympics.

After winning a staggering 14 French Open titles, Nadal had refused to rule out one last hurrah at Roland Garros in 2025 during an interview with El Hormiguero in September.

"It's an option [to play again at Roland Garros], right now the goals are over and I'm giving myself time. I'm enjoying training and other things in life," he said.

"I understand that I'm retiring. It's been a long time, I've had a lot of physical problems and the question is normal. There comes a time when I can't live with [the idea of] retirement, because otherwise you don't finish trying.

"I've given myself some time to enjoy tennis after a year and a half off the court and that's what I'm doing, enjoying the day to day. In the end, I'm giving myself time and making my decision when I'm clear about it. I try to do things as well as possible."