Rafael Nadal, 38, confirms retirement date in emotional goodbye video as 22-time Grand Slam champion prepares to bid farewell to tennis

Rafael Nadal has announced his intention to retire from professional tennis in a shock announcement on Thursday morning. 

The Spanish tennis icon is considered one of the greatest to ever play the game – and by some the best of all – but has shocked fans by confirming that he will soon be hanging up his racket for good. 

Nadal, now 38, posted an emotional video on his social media account announcing the decision, reflecting on a career that was ‘longer and more successful then I could ever have imagined’. 

The 38-year-old Spaniard, who won 22 grand slam titles including 14 at the French Open, revealed the news in a video message posted on X.

He said: ‘Hello everyone. I’m here to let you know that I am retiring from professional tennis.’

Nadal represented Spain at the Olympics in Paris on the court that has seen him enjoy so much glory

Nadal has struggled with fitness and physical issues over the past two years, despite still competing at some of the sport’s more prestigious competitions. 

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