Rafael Nadal confirms retirement in emotional farewell video as 22-time Grand Slam champion prepares to say goodbye to tennis

Rafael Nadal announced his intention to retire from professional tennis in a shocking announcement on Thursday morning.

The Spanish tennis icon is considered one of the greatest players to ever play the game – and some say the best of them all – but has shocked fans by confirming he will soon hang up his racket for good.

Nadal posted an emotional video to his social media account announcing the decision and reflecting on a career that was “longer and more successful than I could ever have imagined.”

The 38-year-old, 22-time Grand Slam champion has struggled with injuries in recent years and, fittingly, his final appearance on the court will be playing for Spain in front of home fans in Malaga in the Davis Cup.

Nadal’s decision to retire from Roger Federer will leave Novak Djokovic as the last man standing of the triumvirate that has dominated tennis for two decades.

Rafael Nadal has announced his retirement from tennis, ending a legendary tennis career

Nadal represented Spain at the Paris Olympics on the court that has seen him enjoy so much glory

He first burst onto the scene with a stunning French Open title at the age of 19 in 2005 – his first attempt

In a video message, Nadal said: “Hello everyone, I am here to tell you that I am retiring from professional tennis. The reality is that it has been a difficult few years, especially these last two. I don’t think I was able to play without limitations.

‘It is of course a difficult decision, which took me a long time. But in this life everything has a beginning and an end.

‘And I think this is the right time to end a career that has been long and much more successful than I could ever have imagined.

‘But I am very happy that my last tournament will be the Davis Cup final and that I will represent my country. It has come full circle, because one of my first great joys as a tennis player was the Davis Cup final in Seville in 2004.’

The first half of Nadal’s career was defined by his rivalry with close friend Federer; the latter part through his fights with Djokovic. Of all his records and accolades, the one that will certainly never be repeated are 14 French Open titles.

His most famous match remains the 2008 Wimbledon final, the so-called ‘Triumph at Twilight’ against Federer.

He was a ruthless competitor on the field and an impeccable ambassador off it. Off camera, in the small interactions with support staff at events, he was unfailingly polite and humble, and that is the true measure of the man.

The tennis icon burst onto the scene with a stunning win at the French Open aged just 19 in 2005 at his first attempt, beating Roger Federer in the semi-finals – one of only four to beat the great Swiss that year.

Nadal has played some of the best tennis matches and will go down as one of the sport’s most successful icons

No player in any sport has enjoyed as much dominance as Nadal on the clay courts of Paris

The Spanish star has had to endure two difficult years in terms of injuries and consistency

He would later follow it up with a further 13 titles at Roland Garros, nine of which came in his first 10 attempts, making him one of the most dominant athletes in any sport in one specific event.

By the age of 24, he had won every available Grand Slam singles title – making him the youngest ever – and has also earned two Olympic golds for Spain (singles in 2008, doubles in 2016).

But as he reflects in his message, all great things must come to an end, and the final of the upcoming Davis Cup will be Nadal’s last foray onto the court as a professional tennis player.

Nadal has played some of the sport’s most memorable matches, and his commitment, determination, ability to play well beyond the pain threshold and sheer will have earned him universal praise both in tennis and beyond.

From the incredible Wimbledon final in 2008 to his almost unbelievable victory in Melbourne in 2022, fighting back from two sets down – the first to ever do so in the Open Era at the Australian Open – Nadal’s class was enduring.

Although he is naturally right-handed, he plays with his non-dominant hand, which only highlights his talent and skill that took him to the pinnacle of the sport.

Given his stature in the sport, tributes quickly poured in following the shock announcement.

Roland Garros’ official

Nadal’s name will always be a name associated with perseverance, commitment and the refusal to admit defeat

Nadal earned the grand slam twice in his career and won each of the sport’s four biggest prizes twice

His victory over great rival and close friend Roger Federer in 2008 is widely recognized as the greatest tennis match of all time

In 2022, he became the first men’s player in the Open era to win the Australian Open final by two sets

They later added: “14 thanks for the millions of memories,” referring to his unprecedented supremacy in the French capital.

He even turned down a ceremony to pay tribute to his achievements on the iconic red clay of Roland Garros this summer, promising to return.

However, next summer’s French Open is expected to put on a show that lives up to the Spaniard’s legacy.

Wimbledon also paid tribute to the soon-to-retire great: ‘Forever a champion.’

Perhaps the greatest of them all, Federer then added his own words in tribute to his friend: ‘What a race Rafa, I always hoped this day would never come.

‘Thank you for the unforgettable memories and all your achievements in the sport we love. It was an absolute honor.’