2024 is a year filled with a rollercoaster of emotions. While we are still seeing some of the veterans like Rafael Nadal, Danielle Collins, and others in action, it feels sad to know that these players will no longer be on the professional circuit from next year. These players, who made us fall in love with the game and gave us so much to cheer about will be looking to put a full stop on their careers and leave a legacy behind them.

Well talking about them, many names could hang up their boots cometh the end of the year. While some have officially announced this year as their last, some are yet to announce or with the toll that the age has taken, they might be forced to make a harsh decision. But, who are they? Let’s find out!

Players who could announce their retirement at the end of the year ft. Rafael Nadal and Danielle Collins

6 possible candidates can end their careers at this point. Growing age, injuries, physicality, and stuff is a constant problem that they have to deal with and the toll that it takes on them is significant.

Rafael Nadal

Rafael Nadal is a name that literally needs no introduction. The king of clay and one of the members of the ‘Big 3’, Nadal has redefined success. From coming as an ordinary Spaniard on the court to turning 37 and still going strong on the court, he is the perfect epitome of greatness. Throughout his years as a professional player, he won 22 grand slam titles (14 French Open), 92 overall career titles (5th highest in the open era), an Olympic gold medal and whatnot.

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However, as they say, everything, sooner or later comes to an end and the same has been the case with him as well. A constant battle with injuries and the pressure of performing at the great stage at 37 took some toll on him and he eventually announced that 2024 would be the final year of his career. This decision left many heartbroken but it was for his own best. Currently playing in the Madrid Open, he would be looking to win as much as he could and put his career on hold.

Danielle Collins

Another name to join Rafael Nadal will be Danielle Collins. She has become a household name in America after her recent success. While she was just another ordinary player playing in her 30s, she shocked the tennis world by announcing that this would be her final year on the court. It is only after that the fans got to see the real side of the American star. Back-to-back titles on American soil saw her standing toe-to-toe with Serena Williams.

With the year still a long way to go, she would be looking to grab as much as she could and make her last year the most memorable one. Apart from that, one thing she’ll always be remembered for is her Australian Open success back in 2022. From stunning Iga Swiatek to Alize Cornet, she made her way into the finals. However, she fell a step short and was unable to clinch the title.

Alize Cornet

Another name to make her way out of the professional tennis circuit will be Alize Cornet. The French star, who won 9 titles throughout her journey as a professional athlete recently announced that 2024 will mark the end of her illustrious career.

The upcoming Roland Garros will be the last one where she will be playing and post that, she will be hanging up her boots and bidding adieu to the sport that gave her so much to cheer about.

Garbine Muguruza

Another name that came out as an absolute shocker was Garbine Muguruza. One regarded as one of the best on the tour, she was the only player who managed to defeat both Serena and Venus Williams in the finals of a grand slam to land the title. Interestingly, she had two titles only to her name. However, a series of injuries restricted her time off the tennis courts.

Having played her last tournament in January 2023, she was away from the courts and recently came out with a shocker. At just 30, she decided to call it quits. She called out a press conference recently and announced that she would not be returning to professional tennis now. Throughout her career as a professional athlete, she managed to bag 10 career titles along with being the runner-up at 2 grand slams in 2015 and 2020. Unlike compatriot Rafael Nadal, Her void will certainly be missed in tennis.

Venus Williams

A name that probably needs no introduction. It was back in the 2000s decades when two girls from Compton ruled the tennis world. Venus Williams is a living legend of the game and despite being 43, she has barely shown signs of stopping down anytime soon. But, the toll that her age has taken over her is immense.

Away from the court for most of the time now, she could possibly call it quits this year. Talking about her career stats, the former world number one player managed to win 7 grand slams, 5 out of which came in Wimbledon and the other 2 came at the US Open. Apart from that, she also managed to win 49 titles in the singles category and 22 titles in the doubles which pretty much resonates with her legacy in the game.

While nothing regarding retirement has been confirmed from her side, it is mere speculation that this could be her last year. However, it will be interesting to see how things turn out for Venus. While her fans would still want her to play in major events, it will be up to her to take the final calls.

Andy Murray

Last, but not least on the list is Andy Murray. One of the top guys from an era completely dominated by Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic, he made his way around to being the best in business. While the British superstar was one of the best talents on the courts, injuries did not allow him to make his worth known to the world. Throughout his years as a professional athlete, the British legend bagged 3 grand slam titles along with 46 titles in the singles category.

Apart from this, he also shone on the biggest stage, i.e., the Olympics and helped his nation with 2 back to back gold medals. While his recent forms have not been up to the mark, he is adamant about putting in the hours and showing what his true worth is. But, with age coming in and rising talents already taking the tennis scene by storm, it would not be factually possible for him to show the level that he once used to. While many think that this could well be his last year on professional circuit, he believes that he has a lot left in him.

However, it is only time that will reveal what happens next. Thus, these 6 names, which inspired many to take up tennis rackets will no longer be on the professional tennis circuit by the start of nxt year. While some have already announced their retirements, there are some who are yet to make it official. What are your thoughts on this? Do let us know in the comments below!