Rafael Nadal announces retirement after 22 Grand Slam wins: Final match at Davis Cup 2024

Rafael Nadal, the 22-time Grand Slam winner, has announced he will retire from tennis at the conclusion of this season.

The 38-year-old will make his final appearance representing Spain at the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga next month.

Nadal has played sparingly over the last two seasons due to injuries and hinted last year that he might retire at the end of 2024.

In a video message released on Thursday, Nadal stated: "I am here to let you know I am retiring from professional tennis."

He continued by saying that recent years have been particularly challenging, adding: "I don't think I have been able to play without limitations."

Nadal retires as the second-most successful male singles player, behind Novak Djokovic, with whom he shares a historic rivalry.

Known as the 'King of Clay,' Nadal captured a record 14 French Open titles, winning 112 out of 116 matches played at Roland Garros.

No player has won as many Grand Slam singles titles at a single tournament as Nadal.

In addition to his French Open success, Nadal won the US Open four times and both Wimbledon and the Australian Open twice.

His accolades also include Olympic gold in singles and doubles, as well as helping Spain secure four Davis Cup titles, the most recent in 2019.

Nadal, Djokovic, and 20-time major winner Roger Federer are known as the 'Big Three,' who have dominated men's tennis since the early 2000s and amassed a huge fan following.

Federer, reflecting on Nadal's career, said: "What a career, Rafa! I always hoped this day would never come."

He added, "Thank you for the unforgettable memories and all your incredible achievements in the game we love."

Federer concluded by expressing his admiration: "It's been an absolute honour."