Yesterday Rafael Nadal has announced his retirement, with the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga next month marking his final appearance. The 38 year old Spaniard, who has captured 22 Grand Slam titles including a record 14 French Opens, shared the news in a heartfelt video, reflecting on the challenges of recent years.

'Hello everyone. I'm here to let you know that I am retiring from professional tennis. it is obviously a difficult decision, one that has taken me some time to make, but in 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 that I could have ever imagined. But, I am very excited that my last tournament will be the final of the Davis Cup and representing my country.'

Says Nadal.

Nadal's illustrious career has been defined by remarkable victories and rivalries with icons like Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic. Despite injuries hampering his final seasons, he leaves the sport with a legacy of unmatched perseverance and passion.

Tributes from Federer, Djokovic, and other sports legends have poured in, celebrating his extraordinary impact on tennis.