Rafael Nadal. Rafael Nadal. Tim Henman believes it was "the right time" for Rafael Nadal to retire after he bowed out following the Davis Cup Finals in November. (More Tennis News)
Nadal retired with 22 men's Grand Slam titles, 92 ATP-level singles titles, including 36 Masters titles and an Olympic gold medal.
He also won five Davis Cup titles throughout his career, in 2004, 2008, 2009, 2011 and 2019.
The Spaniard, who struggled with injuries during the last two years of his career, represented his country on home soil but lost his final-ever match in straight sets to Botic van de Zandschulp as Spain were knocked out in the quarter-finals.
Nadal did bow out by claiming one last bit of history though, becoming the Spaniard player with the most matches played in the competition in the last 30 years, with that his 43rd and final appearance.
Henman believes Nadal bowed out on his own terms at the right time for him.
"From the outside looking in, I think it was the right time," Henman told Eurosport. "He's given so much to the sport.
Mil gracias a todosMany thanks to allMerci beaucoup à tousGrazie mille à tutti谢谢大家شكرا لكم جميعاתודה לכולכםObrigado a todosVielen Dank euch allenTack allaХвала свимаGràcies a tots pic.twitter.com/7yPRs7QrOi
Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey expressed his enthusiasm and stated: "This bilateral series against Germany will be a remarkable showcase of world-class hockey. Both India and Germany have a rich history in the sport, and this series will give fans an opportunity to witness an intense competition between two of the most formidable teams in the world.
— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) October 10, 2024"The sport takes so much out of him physically and mentally. And I just don't know whether his body could take it any longer.
"So, I think it was a good time to step down and give Rafa the time to reflect on just the incredible achievements that he's had in this sport."
Following his last match, Nadal was welcomed back onto the court in Malaga to address the crowd, while an emotional tribute with messages from his rivals played.
Rafael Nadal Loses Spain's Opening Match In Davis Cup Farewell"Look, I think when you talk about retirement for any player, it's really not straightforward to plan it," Henman added.
gowin slot"And with the injuries and all the different challenges that Rafa had and with the schedule, I think to be representing your country in the Davis Cup in your home country is very special. So, I think it was a good send-off.
"And I hope Rafa felt comfortable with that. He's just been an absolute icon of our sport. But for the Spanish people to get to see him one last time at homeshowtime, I think was very, very special."
