Spanish legend Rafael Nadal confirms his retirement from tennis

Rafael Nadal, one of the greatest players in tennis history, has made a sad announcement about his career on social media.

Rafael Nadal's sad farewell to tennis. Photos: Instagram/AFP

Rafael Nadal, one of the all-time greats of professional tennis, has announced his retirement from the sport.

The 38-year-old, who has won 22 grand slam singles titles, will make one last appearance for Spain at November’s Davis Cup Finals in Malaga before hanging up the racquet.

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The beloved Spaniard, who has battled a series of injuries in recent years, announced the decision on social media a short time ago.

“Hello everyone, I am here to let you know I am retiring from professional tennis,” Nadal said in Spanish, with English subtitles.

“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.

Spain's Rafael Nadal has announced his retirement from tennis. (Photo by CARL DE SOUZA / AFP)

“It is obviously a difficult decision and 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.

“But, I’m very excited that my last tournament will be the final of the Davis Cup and representing my country.

“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.”

Nadal won a record 14 French Open titles in his career, a mark that is unlikely to ever be broken.

There has been an outpouring of emotion on social media, knowing the career of one of the most popular players in tennis history is coming to an end.

“Thank you for everything Rafa,” tweeted the official Roland Garros account.

The ATP Tour wrote: “The tennis court will never be the same.”

The Tennis TV account posted: “Legend then. Legend now. Legend forever.”

Miss Jo added: “A gentleman both on and off the court. And an inspiration to millions of young people who wanted to play tennis or succeed in anything. Respect.”

A fan also wrote: “Nadal will always be the best tennis player in history.”

Nadal had enduring rivalries with the likes of Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic during his career, with both featured in the video shaking his hand at the net after some of their epic battles.

All three won over 20 grand slam titles in a staggering era of tennis and debate will rage forever about which is the greatest of them all.

Roger Federer (left) and Nadal, seen here back in 2005, had one of the greatest rivalries in tennis history. (Photo by Thomas COEX / AFP)

Nadal spent time thanking a wide range of people in his farewell video.

“I feel super, super lucky for all the things I’ve been able to experience,” Nadal continued.

“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, many hours with them and I have lived many moments that I will remember for the rest of my life.”

He then thanked his team, showing a range of images that included his uncle Toni and former coach Carlos Moya.

Novak Djokovic and Nadal faced off at this year’s Paris Olympic Games. (Photo by MARTIN BERNETTI / AFP)

He also thanked his mother and father, his wife Mery and his sister in the emotional video.

“(My mother) has made all the sacrifices she had to make so that we would always have everything,” he said with misty eyes.

“My wife Mery, we’ve been together for 19 years. Thank you for everything you have done.

“And finally you, the fans, 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.

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

The video includes a number of highlights from Nadal’s Hall of Fame-calibre career.

Originally published as Spanish legend Rafael Nadal confirms his retirement from tennis