Rafael Nadal Retirement: Tennis legend Rafael Nadal has announced his retirement from all forms of the sport, as the 22-time Grand Slam winner draws curtains on one of the most iconic careers not just in tennis, but the entire sporting history.
The official confirmation of the decision has come via the Spaniard's official 'X' account on Thursday, October 10, as he posted an emotional video, where he thanked the fans amidst all the success and hardships he endured throughtout his career.
"Hello everyone, I am here to let you know that I am retiring from professional tennis. 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. It is obviously a difficult decision, one that has taken me some time to make," said Rafael Nadal in the video.
"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 coud have ever imagined," he added.
Watch the video here:
When Will 'The King of Clay' Feature For The Very Last Time?
Rafael Nadal has announced that his very last match of his career will be in Malaga, as the Spaniard will be competing at Davis Cup Finals in November 2024. The 38-year-old had already stated that 2024 will be his year as a pofessional tennis player and time has come for Rafael Nadal to give the fans one final glimpse of his greatness.
"I am very excited that my last tournament will be the final of the Davis Cup and representing my country. I think I have come full circle, since one of the first great joys as a professional tennis player was the Davis Cup final in Sevilla in 2004," said the 22-time Grand Slam winner.