Rafael Nadal announces professional tennis retirement

By Andy Sims

Rafael Nadal has announced he is to retire from professional tennis.

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.

“Hello everyone. I’m here to let you know that I am retiring from professional tennis,” he said.

Nadal, the Wimbledon champion in 2008 and 2010, has struggled with various injuries over the last couple of years.

He added: “The reality is that it has been some difficult years, these last two especially. I don’t think I have been able to play without limitations.

“It is obviously a difficult decision, one that has taken me some time to make.

“But, in this life, everything has a beginning and an end.”