Tennis legend Rafael Nadal has announced he’s hanging up the racquet.
The 38-year-old, who won 22 grand slam titles, including two at the Australia Open, revealed the news in an emotional video message posted to social media.
“Hello everyone. I’m here to let you know that I am retiring from professional tennis,” he said.
The Spaniard, who is widely considered one of the greatest tennis players of all time, admitted that injuries over the past two years in particular have ultimately led to the decision.
“The reality is that it has been some difficult years, these last two especially. I don’t think I have been able to play without limitations,” he said.
“It is obviously a difficult decision, one that has taken me some time to make.
“But, in this life, everything has a beginning and an end, and I think it’s an appropriate time to put an end to a career that has been long and much more successful than I could have ever imagined”.
The tennis veteran said he will officially call time after the Davis Cup finals next month.
“I am very excited that my last tournament will be the final of the Davis Cup and representing my country,” he said.
“I think I’ve come full circle since one of my first great joys as a professional tennis player was the Davis Cup Final in Seville in 2004.”
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Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic are among those who have led tributes to Nadal since the news of his retirement broke overnight.
“What a career, Rafa! I always hoped this day would never come,” Federer wrote alongside a photo of the pair.
“Thank you for the unforgettable memories and all your incredible achievements in the game we love. It’s been an absolute honour.”
Djokovic also shared a series of images of the duo, writing “Rafa, one post is not enough to express the respect I have for you and what you have done for our sport,” he said.
“You have inspired millions of children to start playing tennis and I think that’s probably the greatest achievement anyone can wish for.
“Your tenacity, dedication, fighting spirit is going to be taught for decades. Your legacy will live forever.
“Only you know what you had to endure to become an icon of tennis and sport in general. Thankyou for pushing me to the limit so many times in our rivalry.”
