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Rafael Nadal retires from tennis at the end of the 2024 season

The Spanish legend will end his professional career at the Davis Cup final, reports ATP.

KEY FACTS

  • Rafael Nadal announced that he will retire at the end of the 2024 season on social network X. “Hello everyone, I am here to inform you that I am retiring from professional tennis,” Nadal said in Spanish in the video.
  • The 38-year-old Spaniard will participate in his last. professional Davis Cup finals tournament in Malaga from November 19 to 24.
  • Rafael Nadal is a 92-time tour-level champion, and spent 209 weeks at No. 1 in the PIF ATP rankings.
  • He is a 22-time winner of Grand Slam titles, which includes a record 14 Roland Garros crowns.

KEY QUOTE

“Obviously this is a difficult decision and it took me a while to make it, but in this life, everything has a beginning and an end and I think the time is right to end a career that has been long and far more successful than I could have imagined.”

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

Nadal will end his storied career on home soil in Malaga, where he will be part of Spain’s Davis Cup squad, which also includes Carlos Alcaraz. The host nation play their quarter-final match against the Netherlands on Tuesday 19 November at 17:00 local time. “I am very excited that my last tournament will be the final of the Davis Cup and the presentation of my country,” said the tennis player.

“I think I’ve come full circle because one of my first great joys as a professional tennis player was the Davis Cup final in Seville in 2004. I feel super, super lucky for all the things I’ve been able to experience.” Nadal, who is 12-7 so far in 2024, went on to thank his ATP Tour rivals, his team and his family (including his uncle and former coach Toni Nadal). Although his body has rarely allowed him to compete at full fitness over the past two seasons, the Spaniard’s characteristic dedication to the sport has not waned. He attributes part of his desire to continue playing for so long to the advent of his son, Rafael. “Coming home and seeing my son grow every day was the force that really kept me alive and with the energy to continue,” says the Spaniard.

SPANISH LEGEND

Rafael Nadal is extremely popular among fans all over the world. His powerful left-footed strokes, combined with his almost unrivaled desire to compete and his role as part of the ‘Big Three’ alongside Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, mean that he will end his career as one of the greatest icons of tennis.

“Finally, you the fans – I can’t thank you enough for what you made me feel,” Nadal said at the end of the video. “You gave me the energy I needed at every moment. Really everything I experienced was a dream come true. I leave with the absolute peace of mind that I have given my best and that I have made an effort in every way. I can only end with a thousand thanks to everyone and see you soon.”

FORBES ESTIMATES

According to our estimates, Nadal is the sixth highest-paid tennis star in 2024 with an income of $23.3 million. About $23 million of that amount is off-court income from various endorsement deals, as injuries kept him out of most major tournaments this past year. The exception is the French Open, where he lost in the first round to Alexander Zverev.

Tesla Reaches Milestone of Three Million Electric Vehicles Produced

Tesla has achieved a major milestone in its quest to revolutionise the automotive industry, completing the production of three million electric vehicles (EVs) as of October 2024. This achievement underscores the company’s leading role in the global transition towards sustainable energy and electric mobility. Since its founding, Tesla has pushed the boundaries of what is possible in the automotive sector, and reaching this production figure cements its status as a dominant force in the rapidly growing EV market.

The three-million-vehicle milestone is particularly significant given the challenges faced by the automotive industry in recent years. Global supply chain disruptions, rising raw material costs, and ongoing geopolitical uncertainties have affected production across the board, yet Tesla has not only weathered these storms but has continued to expand its manufacturing capabilities. Its Gigafactories, located across several continents, have played a pivotal role in meeting the rising demand for electric vehicles, positioning the company as a global leader in EV production.

Elon Musk, Tesla’s CEO, has long touted ambitious growth targets for the company, and this production achievement brings Tesla one step closer to its goal of accelerating the world’s transition to sustainable energy. By mass-producing EVs at an unprecedented scale, Tesla has set the standard for what is possible in the industry, creating a ripple effect that has seen traditional automakers shift their focus towards electric mobility. Many of these legacy manufacturers are now investing heavily in EV technology to compete in this increasingly crowded space.

The significance of Tesla’s production milestone goes beyond just numbers. It marks a moment of maturity for the company, which has moved from being seen as a niche, innovative startup to a mainstream automotive giant. The three million vehicles produced span a variety of models, from the original Model S to the more affordable Model 3, the performance-driven Model Y, and the highly anticipated Cybertruck, demonstrating the company’s ability to cater to a wide range of consumers.

However, challenges remain. The EV industry is becoming increasingly competitive, with new entrants and traditional manufacturers alike vying for market share. Tesla’s ability to maintain its leadership will depend not only on its production capacity but also on its continued innovation and ability to meet consumer demands for cost-effective, high-performance electric vehicles.

As Tesla celebrates this milestone, it is clear that the company is not resting on its laurels. With plans to continue expanding its production facilities and introducing new models, Tesla remains at the forefront of the EV revolution, driving the world towards a future powered by clean, renewable energy. The three million EV milestone is a testament to its vision, persistence, and ability to navigate the challenges of an ever-evolving industry.

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