Champion Rafael Nadal announces his retirement from tennis

The world may not be ready, but one of the greatest champions in tennis history, Rafael Nadal, has announced his retirement from tennis. He announced that after the next match, in November in the "Davis Cup" competition, he will finally retire from the passion and sport where he became internationally known.

Through a video on social networks, Nadal, 38 years old, has decided to end his career, due to the physical problems he has faced over the years. He has said before that 2024 would probably be the last year in his career, but he had not made an official statement.

"The truth is, it's been a tough few years, especially the last few," Nadal said in the video. "I don't think I've been able to play without limitations. It's definitely a difficult decision, one that took me time to make. But in this life, everything has a beginning and an end and I think it's the right time to end a career that has been long and far more successful than I ever imagined."

Further, he added:

"I feel incredibly lucky for all the things I've been able to experience. I want to thank the whole tennis industry; all the people involved in the sport; my colleagues and especially, my great rivals. I've spent many, many hours with them and experienced many moments that I will remember for the rest of my life," he continued.

Nadal has won the "French Open" 14 times and is part of "The Big 3", consisting of Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. The famous athlete ends his career with 22 Grand Slams, 14 "Roland Garros" titles, 4 "US Open" titles, as well as 5 "Davis Cup" editions.