22-time Grand Slam champ Rafael Nadal announces retirement from professional tennis

( WJET/WFXP ) — Rafael Nadal, professional tennis legend and 22-time Grand Slam champion announced his retirement from professional tennis in a video message early Thursday morning.

The 38-year-old Spaniard posted an emotional video to his social media saying “Hello everyone. I’m here to let you know 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’ve been able to play without limitations. It is obviously a difficult decision, one that has taken me some time to make.

I think I’ve come full circle since one of my great joys as a professional tennis player was the Davis Cup final in Sevilla in 2004. I feel super, 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-term colleagues, especially my great rivals, I have spent many, many hours with them, and I have lived many moments that I will remember for the rest of my life.”

Nadal’s final appearance will be in November’s Davis Cup Final in Malaga.

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