Spanish tennis champion Rafa Nadal officially announced his farewell to professional sports in an emotional video on Thursday. 

“The reality is that the last two years have been difficult and I have not been able to play without limitations. It is a difficult decision, which has taken me time but in this life everything has a beginning and an end,” he said in the video posted in X. 

“I think it is the right time to put an end to what has been a long and much more successful career than I could have ever imagined,” continued the player.

“I’m very excited that my last tournament is the Davis Cup final and representing my country. I think it is closing the circle since one of my first great joys as a professional tennis player was the final in Seville in 2004.”  

At 38, the Spaniard ends his career with 92 titles, including 22 Grand Slam trophies.  

He also won Olympic gold medals in singles and doubles and has been instrumental in winning five Davis Cup titles. 

Nadal has kept his family close throughout his careeer, including his uncle Toni, who has been his coach for many years.  

In a statement to Euronews, Rafa’s aunt Maria Oliver said they cherish “all the good things and all the spectacular challenges he has achieved.”

‘Family is everything to me’

In his farewell video, Rafa said “family is everything to me”. 

“My mother made all the sacrifices so that we could have everything. My wife Mery, we’ve been together for 19 years, thank you for everything you’ve done. You were my perfect travelling companion. Coming home and seeing my son grow up has been a force that has kept me alive.” 

One of the greatest tennis players of all time, Nadal retires with a legacy that will be hard to match. 

Renowned for his tireless spirit and his ability to recover from injuries, the Spaniard leaves a legacy that goes beyond numbers, establishing himself as an iconic figure in the history of world sport.