Tennis legend, winner of 22 Grand Slams, is retiring

It's the end of an era in professional tennis.

Rafael Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam winner, announced Thursday that he will retire from the sport at the end of the year.

The 38-year-old from Spain is one of the greats in tennis and has dominated for years alongside the Swiss legend Roger Federer, who retired in 2022.

Nadal's record includes 14 French Open titles, 92 ATP-level victories overall and an Olympic gold medal. He won the US Open four times, the Australian Open twice and Wimbledon twice.

“I am here to inform you that I am retiring from professional tennis,” Nadal said in a video posted on social media. “The reality is that it has been a difficult few years, particularly these two. I don't think I could play without restrictions. It's obviously a difficult decision that will take me some time.

“But in this life everything has a beginning and an end. And I think it's the right time to end a career that has been long and much more successful than I could have ever imagined.

His last game will be for Spain against the Netherlands in the Davis Cup in Malaga from November 19th to 21st.

His retirement, which comes as Nadal has struggled to stay healthy in recent years, leaves only Serbian superstar Novak Djokovic as an active player among the men's game's four modern greats. Briton Andy Murray retired in August.

Nadal turned professional in 2001. Fans, media members and players, including Federer, paid tribute to Nadal on social media.

“I am very lucky for all the things I have been able to experience,” Nadal said on social media. “I would like to thank the entire tennis industry, all the people involved in this sport, my long-time colleagues, especially my great rivals. I spent many, many hours with them and experienced many moments that I will remember for the rest of my life. It's a little harder for me to talk about my team because at the end of the day, my team was a very important part of my life. They are not just colleagues. They are friends.

“And finally, you fans, I can't thank you enough for what you've made me feel. You really give me the energy I needed every moment.

“Everything I experienced was a dream come true. I leave with the absolute certainty that I did my best and that I made an effort in every way. Finally, I can only say a thousand thanks to all of you. See you soon.”