Tennis legend Rafael Nadal announces retirement in emotional video
Tennis legend Rafael Nadal is retiring after over two decades playing the professional sport
Rafael Nadal has announced he is to retire from professional tennis.
The 38-year-old Spaniard, who won 22 Grand Slam titles including 14 at the French Open, revealed the news in a video message posted on Twitter.
He said: "Hello everyone. I’m here to let you know that I am retiring from professional tennis."
Nadal, the Wimbledon champion in 2008 and 2010, has struggled with various injuries over the last couple of years.
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He added: "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.
"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, a celebrity in the sporting world, continued: "But I am 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 Sevilla in 2004.
"I feel super, super lucky for all the things I've been able to experience."
Nadal's final competition being the Davis Cup is arguably a fitting and emotional end to an illustrious career.
A teenage Nadal was part of the Spain team which defeated the USA to win the trophy on home soil 20 years ago.
Some of Nadal's notable wins over his decades-long career include 22 Grand Slam titles, 14 French Open titles (the most by any player at any slam), 112 victories at Roland Garros, and two Wimbledon titles.
People have issued emotional messages to the sporting legend in the wake of the news of his upcoming retirement.
"A sporting legend. What a player," one person's post on Twitter began. "I will never forget the 2008 Wimbledon final for as long as I live. Sport at its very, very best. Thank you Rafa."
A second said: "You changed tennis for me and will always be the greatest tennis player in my eyes. All the best Rafa the king of clay."
Another person gushed about the 38-year-old: "Thanks for everything Rafa.
"We say goodbye not only to an athlete, but to a true gladiator who taught us the value of perseverance and humility."
Niamh Shackleton