Rafael Nadal announces retirement from professional tennis

Rafael Nadal has announced his retirement from professional tennis.

The 38-year-old, who has won 22 Grand Slam titles, announced the news in an emotional video message posted on X.

"Hello everyone. I'm here to let you know that I am retiring from professional tennis," the Spaniard said.

"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 the appropriate time to put an end to a career that has been long and much more successful than I could have ever imagined."

Nadal achieved a series of incredible records on clay but was an all-time great on all surfaces. He proved anyone putting him into a box marked "clay specialist" was mistaken.

However, the 14-time French Open winner, who also boasts four US Open titles and won Wimbledon in 2008 and 2010, has struggled with various injuries over the last few years.

Nadal missed the 2023 French Open and won his last Roland Garros title in 2022, leaving the tournament on a jaw-dropping 112-4 win-loss record.

He admitted in May last year he was staring at the end of his career and that he hoped to be able to play a final year on tour in 2024.

His final match will be for Spain at the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga next month, in what will be an emotional end to an illustrious career.

"I am very excited that my last tournament will be the final of the Davis Cup and representing my country," the tennis star revealed in the video post.

He said playing in the tournament would bring a fitting end to his career because "one of my first great joys as a professional tennis player was the Davis Cup final in Sevilla in 2004".

Spain defeated the United States with a then 18-year-old Nadal victorious against the USA's Andy Roddick.

Nadal's successes came during an extraordinary period of international tennis when he, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and, for a while, Britain's Andy Murray, dominated the sport.

The former men's world number one was visibly emotional when Federer, whom he played against 40 times, retired at the Laver Cup in 2022.

"I feel super lucky for all the things I have been able to experience," Nadal said in his statement.

"I want to thank the entire tennis industry, all the people involved in this sport, my long-time colleagues, especially my great rivals.

"I have spent many hours with them and have lived many moments that I will remember for the rest of my life."

Federer was quick to pay a tribute to his friend and great rival.

"What a career, Rafa! I always hoped this day would never come," the Swiss and 20-time Grand Slam winner wrote on Instagram.

"Thank you for the unforgettable memories and all your incredible achievements in the game we love. It's been an absolute honour," he added.

Former Real Madrid - the team Nadal supports - and Manchester United footballer Cristiano Ronaldo wrote: "Rafa, what an incredible race you've had!"

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Nadal went on to thank his support team who he said has been a very important part of his life. "They are not just co-workers, they are friends," he said, adding: "My family is everything to me."

He spoke of the "sacrifices" his mother Ana Maria had made - and also hailed his wife and partner of 19 years, Mery, for being by his side while on tour over the years.

"To come home and see how my son is growing every day has been a force that has really kept me alive," he said, referring to their child Rafael Jr.

There was also a nod to his uncle and former coach Toni Nadal, who he said "is the reason I started playing tennis", and to his father Sebastian Nadal who he described as a "source of inspiration".

"And finally you, the fans," he said.

"I can't thank you enough for what you have made me feel. You have given me the energy I have needed at every moment."

"Really, everything I have experienced has been a dream come true," Nadal added.

"I leave with the absolute peace of mind of having given my best, of having made an effort in every way.

"I can only end by saying a thousand thanks to all - and see you soon."

Sky Sports tennis commentator Jonathan Overend said: "To win 14 times at the same Grand Slam tennis tournament, many careers don't get anywhere near 14 years and he's won the thing that many times - absolute madness. The longevity of the guy in the greatest era and that's what makes Djokovic as the last man standing out of this elite band.

"These numbers will never be repeated on the clay, particularly at Roland Garros. Anyone who saw that beast of a man up close, sometimes in those sleeveless shirts, displaying the guns, bringing out all those shots, recovering from ridiculous positions in the court to beat the other greatest players of all time, it was such a privilege to watch his career."

(c) Sky News 2024: Rafael Nadal announces retirement from professional tennis