At the Six Kings Slam in Saudi Arabia last week, Rafael Nadal participated in what was probably his last singles match.
The renowned Spaniard participated in the invitational exhibition event in Riyadh alongside Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev, and Holger Rune.
Each of the six players who took part received a guaranteed $1.5 million, and Sinner won an incredible $6 million. A full-size tennis racket composed entirely of solid gold was given to Rafael Nadal after his last on-court encounter with Djokovic.
Marca reported that the gold racket weighs three kilograms and has a value of approximately £208,000 (roughly €250,000 and $269,555).
In January, Nadal was named ambassador to the Saudi Arabian Tennis Federation. Nadal will retire from tennis after the 2024 Davis Cup Finals knockout round, which will take place in Malaga from November 19–24.
For Spain, the 38-year-old was supposed to play doubles rather than singles, but he has hinted that he might not play at all if he doesn’t feel physically prepared.
The value of the golden racket Rafael Nadal was gifted in Saudi Arabia has been revealed 🤑#Tennis #Nadal https://t.co/unWpSac2TG
— Tennis365 (@tennis365com) October 23, 2024
Rafael Nadal in 2024
Ranked world no.151, Rafael played his last match on the 29th of July when he lost to world no.4 Novak Djokovic 6-1 6-4 in the 2nd round in Paris (draw).
This season the Spaniard has an overall 12-7 win-loss record. Rafael Nadal’s most significant performance of the current year was getting to the final in Bastad.
Rafael Nadal in 2024
Currently the world no.151, Rafael played his last match on the 29th of July when he surrendered to world no.4 Novak Djokovic 6-1 6-4 in the 2nd round in Paris (draw).
This season Rafael has a composed 12-7 match record. Rafael Nadal’s most significant achievement of the current year was reaching the final in Bastad.