22-time Grand Slam Champion Rafael Nadal has announced his retirement from processional tennis at the age of 38.

The veteran Spaniard will be regarded as one of the greatest players of all time. Known as the ‘King of Clay’ Nadal won a record 14 French Open. His last Roland Garros triumph was in 2022 and retires with an incredible 112-4 win-loss record in Paris!

In 2008 Nadal beat his great rival Roger Federer to win his first Wimbledon title. Many consider the contest to be greatest match of all time. It was the final match to take place on Centre Court before the roof was installed. Nadal won the titanic battle 6-4 6-4 6-7 (5-7) 6-7 (8-10) 9-7.

Nadal will represent Spain at the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga next month for his final appearance on court. He has struggled with injuries in recent years and the announcement is not a great surprise.

After an illustrious career, Nadal will leave the sport with a fantastic Grand Slam haul:

14 – French Open

4 – US Open

2 – Wimbledon Championships

2 – Australian Open

“Rafael Nadal 10, Aegon Championships, London, UK – Diliff” by Diliff is licensed under CC BY 3.0.