The 38-year-old Nadal has been on tour for more than 20 years and is the second member of the so-called Big Three of men’s tennis to stop playing. Roger Federer announced his departure in 2022, while Novak Djokovic is still near the top of the game.

Nadal gave everything to recover his form following a severe hip injury at last year's Australian Open. He played 19 singles matches this season, reaching one final but struggling to chase notable titles. At 38, Rafa decided to terminate his incredible tennis journey after 23 years on the professional circuit.

Tennis legend Rafael Nadal will retire after making one last appearance for Spain in the Davis Cup Finals. Novak Djokovic and some of his biggest rivals want to be in Malaga for the goodbye, according to Feliciano Lopez.

Rafael Nadal has arrived in Malaga for the final tournament of his career and Tournament Director Feliciano Lopez has said a decision has yet to be made on what role he will play in the Spain team. Nadal could play his last matches as early as next Tuesday when Spain take on the Netherlands in a quarter-final tie of an event that is played over a straight knock-out format.