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 to ever play the sport, and for some the best of all, but he has surprised his fans by confirming that he will soon hang up his racket for good.
Nadal, now 38, posted an emotional video on his social media account announcing the decision, reflecting on a career that was “longer and more successful than he could have ever imagined.”
The 38-year-old Spaniard, who won 22 Grand Slam titles, 14 of them at the French Open, revealed the news in a video message posted on X.
He said: ‘Hello everyone. “I’m here to let you know that I’m retiring from professional tennis.”
Nadal represented Spain at the Paris Olympic Games on the court that has seen him enjoy so much glory
Nadal has struggled with physical and fitness issues over the past two years, despite continuing to compete in some of the sport’s most prestigious competitions.
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