New Delhi: Rafael Nadal, the legendary 22-time Grand Slam champion, has announced his retirement from professional tennis at the end of this season. The 38-year-old will make his final appearance representing Spain at the Davis Cup Finals in Málaga this November. Nadal, a key member of the iconic "Big Three" alongside Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, leaves behind an extraordinary legacy that has reshaped the sport and inspired millions of fans worldwide.

Nadal is set to compete in Spain's Davis Cup quarter-final match against the Netherlands from November 19 to 21. Earlier this year, he withdrew from what would have been his fourth Olympic appearance. The Spanish icon previously won a singles gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Games and a doubles gold at the 2016 Rio Olympics. With his retirement, Nadal concludes an illustrious career that includes 92 ATP titles, highlighted by a record 14 French Open championships—more than twice as many as any other player in the Open era.

This Davis Cup event marks Nadal's first appearance since the Paris Olympics earlier this year, where he faced defeats in both singles and doubles matches, partnering with Carlos Alcaraz. Despite those setbacks, his return to the Davis Cup is significant, as one of his early career milestones was helping Spain secure the title in 2004 at just 17 years old. Reflecting on his decision, Nadal shared his fond memories of that formative victory.

Throughout his career, Nadal became renowned for his tenacity and grit, particularly on clay courts, where he dominated at the French Open. His unparalleled 14 titles on the clay surface have become synonymous with his name. However, in recent years, injuries have increasingly hindered his performance, preventing him from maintaining a regular presence on the tour. He has not competed since the Paris Olympics due to these physical setbacks.

In a heartfelt video message released on Thursday, Nadal shared the news of his retirement, discussing the challenges he has faced and the toll the sport has taken on his body.

"Hello everyone," the 38-year-old began. "I'm here to let you know that I am retiring from professional tennis. The reality is that it has been some difficult years, these last two especially. I don't think I've been able to play without limitations. It is obviously a difficult decision, one that has taken me some time to make."

He continued, "But in this life, everything has a beginning and 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. But, I am very excited that my last tournament will be the final of the Davis Cup and representing my country."

Nadal expressed gratitude for his journey and reflected on his long-term rivals and the many memorable moments he has shared with them. "I think I've come full circle since one of my great joys as a 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. I want to thank the entire tennis industry, all the people involved in this sport, my long-term colleagues, especially my great rivals. I have spent many, many hours with them, and I have lived many moments that I will remember for the rest of my life."

Nadal's departure marks the end of an era, but his influence on the sport and the memories he created will endure for years to come.

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