Rafael Nadal has announced he is retiring from professional tennis - with the Spaniard insisting it is the right time to finish his career.
Nadal has suffered from a string of injury problems in recent years and at the age of 38 he has now opted to call time on his incredible spell in the sport - which has seen him win 22 Grand Slams.
He confirmed that the Davis Cup finals in November will be his last appearance in an emotional video message to his fans, admitting he had been through a "difficult" time with "limitations" but hailed his achievements - which he says he could have never imagined.
In a statement, he said: "I am here to let you know I am retiring from professional tennis. The reality is that it has been some difficult years, the last two especially. I don't think I have been able to play without limitations.
"It is obviously a difficult decision, one that has taken me some time to make. 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.
"I am very excited that my last tournament will be the final of the Davis Cup representing my country. I think I've come full circle since one of my first great joys as a professional tennis player was the Davis Cup final in Sevilla in 2004.
"I feel 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-time colleagues, especially my great rivals.
"I leave with absolute peace of mind of having given my best made every effort in every way. I can only end by saying a thousand thanks to all and see you soon."
Nadal won his first Slam in 2005 as he claimed the French Open title, which turned out to be a favourite of his as he went on to lift 14 titles at Roland Garros and earn the nickname "the King of Clay".
He also won the US Open four times, as well as two triumphs apiece at both Wimbledon and the Australian Open - winning a legion of fans with his athletic and dynamic displays, as well as powerful serves and beautiful shots.
His other career highlights include winning a total of 92 titles in total, as well as two Olympic gold medals and spending 209 weeks as world No 1.
Nadal's 22 career Slams are only bettered by his famous on-court rival Novak Djokovic, who has claimed 24. He recently addressed speculation over his future, saying it was understandable that many asked him about hanging up his racquet.
"I understand the questions about retirement, because it's been many years, and because I've gone through many physical problems, especially these last two years. It's a normal question.
"But in the end there comes a time when I can't live every day thinking about retirement, because then you don't end up really trying."
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