The day that every tennis fan dreaded has come and Rafael Nadal has announced that he will retire from professional tennis this year.
The Spanish legend will pack away his racket for the final time after the Davis Cup campaign in November.
Spain are facing the Netherlands in the quarter-final of the competition and Nadal will now hope to help his country go all the way.
The 38-year-old has now decided that it’s time to call it quits and will walk away having given tennis fans blood, sweat and tears during a colourful career.
Nadal has won 22 Grand Slam titles during his career, with 14 of those coming from the French Open at Roland Garros.
His final majors came in 2022 when he won both the Australian Open and the French Open.
Nadal enjoyed some amazing battles with Roger Federer over the years and now the eight-time Wimbledonchampion has reacted to the news.
What Roger Federer has said to Rafael Nadal after retirement announcement
The battles these two have had over the years will remain part of highlight reels forever more.
Federer and Nadal are symbolic with the game of tennis and the pair have struck up a friendship over the years.
The Swiss performer took to Instagram after today’s news and posted an emotional response to his rival.
He said: “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 an absolute honour.”
Federer and Nadal left each other battered and bruised over the years and the pair go down as two of the all-time greats in tennis.
Novak Djokovic flies the flag for the big four
Nadal has had his fair share of injuries during his career and clearly his body doesn’t feel as though it can go into another year on the tour.
Djokovic might be starting to feel the same way about his career, although he has managed to avoid too many serious injuries in his career.
Ultimately, the Serbian star is now the last man standing, with Federer already retired and Andy Murray calling time on things this year.
Federer and Nadal is comfortably the greatest rivalry in tennis history and the Spaniard’s decision to announce his retirement gives fans another chance to reminisce about some of their amazing battles.
It’s been hard at times to watch Nadal struggle on the court and this does feel like the right decision.
Now, Djokovic is flying solo for this generation’s big four and it will be fascinating to see what else he can achieve in the game.
