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Rafael Nadal, arguably one of the best tennis players to ever play the game, has announced his retirement from professional tennis.

After more than two decades on the professional circuit, the 38-year-old Spaniard announced the news in a bittersweet Instagram video to his 21.7 million followers, saying that the upcoming Davis Cup will be his last professional outing.

He captioned the video with “Many thanks to all” in 12 different languages.

Grab your tissues.

 

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A post shared by Rafa Nadal (@rafaelnadal)

Rafa explained that it had been a hard decision and it had taken him a long time to come to this conclusion.

“In this 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 than I could have ever imagined,” he continued.

“But I am very excited that my last tournament will be the Davis Cup and representing my country. I think I’ve come full circle because one of my first joys as a professional tennis player was the final in Sevilla in 2004.”

Following the announcement, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic shared shared tributes to the sporting great.

Thank you for pushing me to the very limit so many times in our rivalry that has impacted me the most as a player. Your passion for representing Spain has always been remarkable. I wish you best possible farewell in Malaga with Davis Cup team of Spain. I will be there in person… pic.twitter.com/IDglB3h2Rw

— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) October 10, 2024

Nadal won an impressive 22 Grand Slam singles titles and claimed 14 French Open titles. He achieved a gold medal at the Olympics in 2008 and has won the Australian Open twice.

So long Rafa, and thanks for all the memories.

[source:pedestriantv]