Rafael Nadal, the 22-time Grand Slam champion, has announced that he will retire from tennis at the end of this season.
The 38-year-old will make his final competitive appearance representing Spain at the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga next month.
Nadal, who has struggled with injuries over the past two years, hinted at the possibility of retirement last year. In a video message released on Thursday, he confirmed the decision, stating, "I am here to announce my retirement from professional tennis. The past few years, especially the last two, have been difficult. I don’t think I’ve been able to play without limitations."
Nadal retires as the second-most successful men’s singles player, trailing only his long-time rival Novak Djokovic. Known as the 'King of Clay,' Nadal claimed the French Open singles title a record 14 times, winning 112 out of 116 matches at Roland Garros, an achievement unmatched by any other player at a single Grand Slam tournament.
In addition to his dominance on clay, Nadal won the US Open four times, and secured two titles each at Wimbledon and the Australian Open. He also achieved Olympic glory with gold medals in both singles and doubles and contributed to Spain's four Davis Cup victories, the most recent in 2019.
Nadal, along with Djokovic and 20-time Grand Slam winner Roger Federer, formed the 'Big Three' that dominated men's tennis from the early 2000s and captivated millions of fans around the world.
Reflecting on Nadal's retirement, Federer, who retired in 2022 in an emotional farewell alongside Nadal, said, "What a career, Rafa! I always hoped this day would never come. Thank you for the unforgettable memories and your remarkable achievements. It's been an absolute honour."
