The 38-year-old Spaniard played on tour for more than two decades and collected 22 Grand Slam titles. View on euronews

In the years that followed, Nadal worked to improve his all-court game and his serve, and his results away from clay improved. He missed the Australian Open in 2006 but won his second Roland Garros title before reaching that year’s Wimbledon final and U.S. Open quarters. Roger Federer schooled him on Centre Court, winning the first set 6-0.

Now 38, Nadal bid farewell to the sport he ruled for nearly two decades. His exit comes after Spain's defeat to the Netherlands in the Davis Cup quarterfinals on Tuesday night

Rafael Nadal said he has left both a sporting and personal legacy after retiring from professional tennis on Tuesday at the Davis Cup.

Nadal won 22 Grand Slam titles in his career and retires as one of the greatest men's tennis players of all time.

Most famous for his dominance on clay, Nadal won a record 14 French Open championships. He won his first in 2005 ... hoping for any edge.” He also added: “Rafa, I know you’re focused on the last stretch of your epic career. We will talk when it ...

MALAGA, Spain — Rafael Nadal’s remarkable tennis career came to end on Tuesday and he heads into retirement after Spain lost to the Netherlands in the quarterfinals at the Davis Cup Final 8.

A glorious sporting career came to a close in front of roaring home fans, as an emotional Rafael Nadal bid farewell to tennis. Nadal lost 6-4. 6-4 to Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp at the Davis Cup quarterfinals in Malaga in what proved to be his final competitive match as Spain went down 1-2 against Netherlands:

Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal retired from professional tennis after Spain lost to the Netherlands in the Davis Cup quarterfinals. Nadal lost his final match to Botic van de Zandschulp. Carlos Alcaraz won his match but Spain could not secure victory.

With tears in his eyes, Rafael Nadal said goodbye to professional tennis on Tuesday. In a message to his adoring fans, one of the all-time greatest athletes said he just wanted to be celebrated for something so simple.