Irish & International Sports News, Fixtures & Results

Rafael Nadal acknowledges the crowd in Malaga after his loss to Botic van de Zandschulp

Updated Nadal leaves the stage as Spain beaten at Davis Cup

Rafael Nadal was unable to conjure a Davis Cup fairytale as he suffered defeat to Botic van de Zandschulp in his final professional match before an emotional farewell ceremony in Malaga.

Tennis • 20 Nov 24

'You made the tennis world proud' - Federer hails Nadal

Roger Federer has published a long letter paying tribute to great rival Rafael Nadal ahead of the Spaniard's retirement, saying: "Your old friend is always cheering for you."

Tennis • 19 Nov 24

Rafael Nadal will occupy centre stage at the Davis Cup in Malaga, whether he plays or not

Nadal set to bid adios at Davis Cup in Malaga

Rafael Nadal will try to keep his emotions in check as he prepares for the final event of his professional tennis career.

Tennis • 18 Nov 24

With Nadal's decision to end his career, Djokovic is the last remaining active player among the 'Big Four'

Djokovic overwhelmed after Nadal retirement

Novak Djokovic says he felt overwhelmed at the news that he will be the last active member of the 'big four'.

Tennis • 11 Oct 24

Rafael Nadal became the 'King of Clay' and sank his teeth into the Coupe des Mousquetaires at the French Open in 14 different years

Nadal announces retirement at 38

Rafael Nadal has announced he is to retire from professional tennis after next month's Davis Cup.

Tennis • 10 Oct 24

Nadal is unlikely to play Wimbledon again after deciding to skip this year's tournament to prepare for the Olympics

Nadal skipping Wimbledon to pursue third Olympic gold

Rafael Nadal is set to miss Wimbledon to prepare for the Olympic Games, where he will team up with Carlos Alcaraz in a dream doubles partnership.

Tennis • 12 Jun 24

Nadal was expected to bring the curtain down on his career at the end of the year

Nadal hints upcoming French Open may not be his last

Rafael Nadal has revealed this year's French Open may not be his final one after all, saying "today in some way I cannot guarantee that that's going to be the last one".

Tennis • 25 May 24

Rafael Nadal serves to Poland's Hubert Hurkacz during the Italian Open

Nadal still weighing up French Open dilemma

Rafael Nadal says he is still in two minds about whether he will play in the French Open starting this month after he was eliminated from the Italian Open in straight sets by seventh seed Hubert Hurkacz on Saturday.

Tennis • 11 May 24

Rafael Nadal bows out after a record five Madrid Open victories under his belt

Nadal bids emotional farewell to home fans after defeat

Rafael Nadal bade an emotional farewell to his home fans after losing to Jiri Lehecka on his final appearance at the Madrid Open.

Tennis • 01 May 24

Rafael Nadal's Grand Slam return remains in the balance

Nadal uncertain over Roland Garros appearance

Spain's Rafael Nadal said that he is not sure if he will be able to play at next month's French Open after pushing through the pain barrier in his comeback from injury.

Tennis • 24 Apr 24

Rafael Nadal will retire later this year

Nadal to play in Laver Cup as career finale nears

Rafael Nadal will play in the Laver Cup later this year in what could be the Spaniard's last tournament before his retirement from the sport.

Tennis • 22 Apr 24

Rafael Nadal has not played competitively since January

Nadal says his body 'won't allow him' to play in Monaco

Rafael Nadal has expressed his disappointment at being forced to miss the Monte Carlo Masters later this month.

Tennis • 04 Apr 24

The Spaniard has been off the tour since suffering a muscle injury in January

Nadal not ready yet to play at the highest level

Rafael Nadal says he has made the "tough" decision to withdraw from Indian Wells as he is not yet "ready to play at the highest level".

Tennis • 07 Mar 24

The Spaniard will now target next month's BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells for his return

Nadal not yet ready to return after hip injury

Rafa Nadal has withdrawn from next week's Qatar Open after announcing he is "not ready to compete".

Tennis • 14 Feb 24

Djokovic and Nadal to headline Saudi 'Six Kings Slam'

Saudi Arabia will host a new elite tennis exhibition featuring Novak Djokovic and Rafa Nadal with three other Grand Slam winners in October.

Tennis • 07 Feb 24

Jordan Thompson (L) got the better of Rafael Nadal, who has been sidelined for almost a year

Nadal's Australian Open prep dented after Brisbane loss

Rafael Nadal's Australian Open preparations suffered a blow after the Spaniard suffered a shock 5-7 7-6 (8-6) 6-3 defeat against Jordan Thompson in the Brisbane International quarter-finals.

Tennis • 05 Jan 24

Rafa Nadal enjoys the winning feeling in Australia

Nadal wins again on road back towards Australian Open

Rafael Nadal continued his impressive return from injury with a dominant win over Jason Kubler at the Brisbane International.

Tennis • 04 Jan 24

Nadal marks return with dominant win over Thiem

Rafael Nadal returned from his year-long injury absence with a bang by winning an engrossing first-round battle with Dominic Thiem at the Brisbane International.

Tennis • 02 Jan 24

Rafa Nadal has not played a match since injuring his hip during a second-round contest at the Australian Open in January

Nadal on comeback: 'I don't expect much'

Rafael Nadal believes it is "impossible" for him to think about winning tournaments as he prepares to make his comeback from a year on the sidelines.

Tennis • 29 Dec 23

Nadal to make his comeback after a year out in Brisbane

Rafael Nadal will make his comeback following a year out at the Brisbane International later this month.

Tennis • 01 Dec 23

Between them Djokovic and Nadal have won 46 slams

Nadal: Djokovic 'is the best in history'

Rafael Nadal's last Grand Slam win came at the French Open in 2022, but with Novak Djokovic having overtaken his impressive haul of most major titles in men's tennis, the Spaniard conceded the Serbian is the best player in history.

Tennis • 20 Sep 23

Nadal is almost certainly out for the rest of this season

Nadal set for lengthy lay-off after hip surgery

Rafael Nadal is expected to be out for five more months following surgery on his left hip.

Tennis • 03 Jun 23

Rafael Nadal: 'I am not the guy who will be at Roland Garros just to play'

Nadal out of French Open & admits he's nearing the end

Rafael Nadal has confirmed he will not be able to play in next week's French Open and has signalled his intention for 2024 to be the final year of his career.

Tennis • 19 May 23

Rafael Nadal is in danger of missing the entire clay court season

Nadal doubtful for French Open after Madrid withdrawal

Rafael Nadal is a major doubt for the French Open after admitting treatment on the hip injury he suffered in January has not worked.

Tennis • 20 Apr 23

Rafael Nadal misses out on the chance to win a 12th Monte Carlo Masters title

Nadal and Alcaraz ruled out of Monte Carlo Masters

Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz have both revealed they will miss the upcoming Monte Carlo Masters.

Tennis • 04 Apr 23