The tennis player Rafael Nadal announces retirement

Spanish legend will end pro career at Davis Cup Finals.

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The 38 year old Spaniard will compete his final professional event at the Davis Cup Finals which is supposed to be held in Malaga from 19 to 24 November.

Nadal in Spanish said, “Hello everyone, I am here to let you know I am retiring from professional tennis. The reality is 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 sometime 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.”

“I’m very excited that my last tournament will be the final of Davis Cup and representing my country. I think I’ve come a full circle since one of my first great joys as 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 added.

The 38 year old last played at the Paris Olympics but continuing injury struggles, which have hampered him throughout his career, have limited his time on the court over the last two seasons.

His 22 grand slam titles are the second most in the history of men’s tennis behind Novak Djokovic, his great long time rival. He has won singles and doubles gold for Spain at the Olympics and led his country to five Davis Cup Titles. He has won US open four times and Australian Open and Wimbledon twice. His victory over Roger Federer in 2008 Wimbledon final is widely considered the greatest tennis match of all time.

Nadal is hugely popular with fans around the globe. His ultimate heavy game in combination with his desrire to compete and his role as a part of the ‘Big Three’ alongwith Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic mean he will end his career as one of the tennis’ biggest icons.

Federer on the retirement of Nadal, wrote on this instagram post, “What a career, Rafa! I always hoped this day would never come. Thank you for the unforgettable memories and all your incredible achievements in the game we love. It’s been absolute honor!”

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