After an extraordinary 21-year career, Rafael Nadal bid farewell to professional tennis in 2024, capping off a legacy that includes 22 Grand Slam singles titles, two Olympic gold medals, and an astonishing 2009 weeks as world No. 1. The 38-year-old hung up his racquet for the final time at the Davis Cup Finals in November, marking the end of an era for one of the most iconic athletes in tennis history. Having spent more than half his life on the tennis circuit, Nadal now faces an entirely new challenge: navigating life after tennis.
To explore possible pathways for Nadal, let’s examine how other tennis greats have transitioned from their playing days to post-retirement lives. Their stories provide a glimpse of what the Spaniard’s future might hold.
Serena Williams
Serena Williams called it quits on her tennis career at the 2022 US Open, having amassed 23 Grand Slam singles titles and spending 319 weeks as the WTA’s world No. 1. Throughout her career, Williams had already ventured into business, and her post-retirement life has seen her further expand these ventures.
A major focus of Williams’ post-tennis endeavors is Serena Ventures, a venture capital firm she launched in 2017. The fund is dedicated to supporting and investing in emerging businesses. Additionally, Williams co-founded Will Perform, a company focused on providing pain relief and muscle care solutions. She also acts as a producer for Nine Two Six Productions, an entertainment company that champions underrepresented talent in the industry.
In 2023, Williams welcomed her second child, daughter Adira, while also serving as the subject of the documentary In the Arena: Serena Williams, which she co-produced. Her journey beyond the court has proven to be just as impactful as her time on it.
Roger Federer
Roger Federer, who retired from tennis after the 2022 Laver Cup, has transitioned seamlessly into life after tennis. With 20 Grand Slam titles and 310 weeks as ATP world No. 1, Federer’s legacy is untouchable. Following his final match alongside Nadal, Federer has remained an influential figure in the tennis world, particularly through the Laver Cup, an event he helped create. He continues to be heavily involved in its planning and operations, recently taking part in its 2024 edition in Berlin.
Off the court, Federer maintains lucrative sponsorship deals, most notably a $300 million, 10-year contract with Uniqlo and a long-standing partnership with Rolex. His philanthropic efforts are also significant: the Roger Federer Foundation has helped improve early education for nearly three million children across six countries.
Federer’s retirement was also documented in Federer: 12 Final Days, a film that provides a deeper look into his final moments on tour. Like Williams, Federer has made a smooth transition into a multi-faceted life that blends business, philanthropy, and personal interests.
Steffi Graf
Steffi Graf, one of the most successful female players in tennis history, retired from the sport in 1999 after winning 22 Grand Slam singles titles and spending a record 377 weeks as world No. 1. However, unlike many of her peers, Graf has kept a relatively low profile since stepping away from the sport.
While Graf occasionally participates in exhibition matches, often alongside her husband, Andre Agassi, she has largely embraced a quiet, private life. The 55-year-old focuses on her family and her life with Agassi in Las Vegas. Graf has kept a handful of sponsorships, such as with Longines, but compared to figures like Martina Navratilova or Chris Evert, Graf has remained largely out of the public eye.
Her retirement from the spotlight has allowed Graf to focus on her personal life, steering clear of major public events or tournaments. It’s clear that she has found peace in her quieter post-tennis existence.
Bjorn Borg
One of the sport’s early icons, Bjorn Borg shocked the tennis world by retiring at just 25 in 1981. Despite attempts to return to the game in the 1990s, Borg had already started exploring opportunities beyond tennis long before he made his return.
Borg’s most successful post-tennis venture has been his fashion brand, Bjorn Borg, which he co-founded in 1989. The company has grown substantially over the years and was reportedly generating over $64 million in revenue by 2020. In addition, Borg has maintained lasting sponsorship ties, particularly with Rolex.
Borg also had a hand in the creation of the Laver Cup, serving as the first Team Europe captain when the event launched in 2017. Though he stepped down from that role in 2024, Borg’s legacy as an innovator in tennis events remains intact. Could Nadal one day find himself taking on a similar role, perhaps as a captain at the Laver Cup? It’s a possibility that could provide another chapter in his illustrious career.
The Future for Nadal?
Looking at the diverse paths taken by his fellow tennis icons, Nadal’s next steps remain to be seen. Like Federer and Williams, Nadal could choose to explore business opportunities, philanthropic endeavors, or even tennis-related ventures like the Laver Cup. Alternatively, he might prefer a more private life like Graf, focusing on family and stepping out of the public spotlight.
No matter the direction he chooses, one thing is clear—Nadal’s post-retirement journey will likely be as fascinating and impactful as his tennis career. The Spaniard’s next chapter promises to be an exciting one, filled with new challenges and opportunities that will captivate fans and sports enthusiasts around the world.