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, 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 22-time Grand Slam champion has struggled with injuries over the last few years and, fittingly, his final act on court will be playing for Spain in front of home fans in Malaga in the Davis Cup.

Nadal’s decision to join Roger Federer in retirement will leave Novak Djokovic as the last man standing from the triumvirate who have dominated tennis for two decades.

In a video message, Nadal said: ‘Hello everyone, I’m here to tell you that I am retiring from professional tennis. The reality is that it has been some difficult years, these last two especially. I don’t think I have been able to play with out limitations.

‘It is obviously a difficult decision, one that has taken me a long time to make. But in this life everything has a beginning and an end. 

'And I think this is the appropriate time to put an end to a career that has been long and much more successful than I could ever have imagined.

'But I am very exited that my last tournament will be the finals of the Davis Cup an representing my country. I’ve come full circle because one of my first great joys as a tennis player was the Davis Cup final in Seville in 2004.’

The first half of Nadal’s career was defined by his rivalry with close friend Federer; the latter portion by his battles with Djokovic. Of all his records and accolades, the one that will surely never be repeated is his 14 French Open titles.

His most famous match remains the 2008 Wimbledon final, the so-called ‘Triumph at Twilight’ against Federer.

He was a relentless competitor on the court and a flawless ambassador off it. Away from the camera, in the small interactions with support staff at events, he was unfailingly polite and humble and that is the truest measure of the man.

The tennis icon erupted onto the scene with a stunning French Open win at just 19 in 2005 at his first attempt, beating Roger Federer in the semis along the way - one of only four to beat the great Swiss that year. 

He would later follow it up with another 13 titles at Roland Garros, with nine coming in his first 10 attempts, becoming one of the most dominant athletes in any sport in one specific event. 

By 24 he had won all available grand slam titles - becoming the youngest to ever do so in the process - and has also twice earned Olympic gold for Spain (singles in 2008, doubles in 2016).

Yet, as he reflects in his message, all great things must come to an end, and the final of the upcoming Davis Cup will be Nadal's final foray onto the court as a professional tennis player. 

Nadal has played out some of the sport's most memorable matches, and his endeavour, determination, ability to play far beyond the pain barrier and sheer will to have earned him universal acclaim, from tennis and beyond. 

From the incredible Wimbledon final in 2008, to his almost unbelievable triumph in Melbourne in 2022 fighting back from two sets down - the first to ever do so in the Open Era at the Australian Open - Nadal's class was enduring. 

Though naturally right-handed, he plays with his non-dominant hand which only underlines his talent and skill, which took him to the pinnacle of the sport. 

Given his stature in the sport, the tributes quickly began to flood in following the shock announcement. 

The official X account for Roland Garros - where he established himself as a living legend - posted a short, succinct message: 'King,' followed by an orange love heart. 

They later added: '14 thanks for the millions of memories,' in reference to his unprecedented supremacy in the French capital.  

He in fact turned down a ceremony to pay tribute to his achievements on the iconic red clay of Roland Garros this summer, promising to return. 

However, it is expected that the French Open will put on a show to match the Spaniard's legacy next summer.  

Wimbledon likewise paid homage to the soon-to-retire great: 'Forever a champion.'

Perhaps the biggest of them all, Federer then added his own words in tribute to his friend: 'What a race Rafa, I always hoped this day would never come. 

'Thank you for the unforgettable memories and all your achievements in the sport we love. It has been an absolute honour.'