From viral 'rituals' to a silent struggle with pain: Rafael Nadal's tennis career was never meant to happen.

Tennis legend Rafael Nadal has officially announced his retirement from professional tennis.

The 38-year-old, who has been a dominant force in the sport for over two decades, shared the news with his fans on social media, saying: "I am here to let you know I am retiring from professional tennis."

Nadal reflected on the difficulties he's faced in recent years, especially with his ongoing injuries: "The reality is that it has been some difficult years, the last two especially. I don't think I have been able to play without limitations."

In his farewell message, Nadal thanked his supporters across his 23-year pro career, captioning the video "Many thanks to all" in 12 different languages.

Watch: Rafael Nadal announces his retirement from professional tennis. Article continues after video.

Nadal leaves the sport as the second-most successful men's singles player of all time. His 22 Grand Slam titles place him ahead of Roger Federer's 20 but just behind Novak Djokovic's record 24. As a member of tennis' "big three," Nadal has made an indelible mark on the sport and will be remembered for his relentless spirit and passion.

Tributes quickly poured in from his fellow tennis legends. Djokovic congratulated Nadal on his incredible career, saying, "You have inspired millions of children to start playing tennis, and I think that is probably the greatest achievement anyone can wish for." Djokovic also praised Nadal's legacy: "Your tenacity, dedication, and fighting spirit will be taught for decades. Your legacy will live forever."

Roger Federer, Nadal's long-time rival and close friend, added: "What a career, Rafa! I always hoped this day would never come. Thank you for the unforgettable memories and all your incredible achievements in the game we love. It's been an absolute honour."

While he's expected to play some final matches in 2024 to bid farewell to his fans, his legacy is as one of the greatest athletes in tennis history.

It comes following a 2023 emotional press conference, where Nadal withdrew from the French Open, explaining it would be "impossible" to play with the injuries sustained earlier this year.

“First thing, I’m not going to be able to play in Roland Garros," he told reporters at the time.

“I was even working as much as possible every single day for the last four months, they have been very difficult months because we were not able to find a solution to the problems I had in Australia.

“I'm still in a position where I am not able to feel myself ready to compete at the standards I need to be to play Roland Garros... My goal and my ambition is to try and stop and give myself an opportunity to enjoy the next year that will probably be my last year in the professional tour,” Nadal said.

"I believe, if I keep going now, I will not be able to make it happen.”

Rafael Nadal. Image: Getty.

Nadal has had a record-breaking career, but it's not been without challenges.

The Spaniard suffers from a rare birth defect called Kohler’s foot – meaning the navicular bone in his left foot never properly developed. For a young Nadal, it meant his foot was swelling after playing and was always on the verge of fracture.

For many sufferers, not only is competitive sport out of the question, but the condition means they develop a limp or unusual style of walking.

Nadal was 17 when he received the diagnosis, which some researchers believe is caused by excessive strain on the foot at a young age.

A tennis racquet was thrust into Nadal’s hand for the first time by his uncle, Toni Nadal, when he was three years old. Recognising a natural talent, Toni Nadal, a former professional tennis player, began to train him.

By eight, Nadal was winning under 12 championships, while also playing football just as competitively. By 12, he was winning Spanish and European titles.

But pain became more recurrent and more debilitating as he developed through adolescence.

When the diagnosis finally came at 17, Nadal was told by doctors he would have to retire his tennis career – before it had even begun.

This was not a conclusion, however, that Nadal or his father Sebastian Nadal, readily accepted. They sought different specialists, until one recommended an insole that would cushion the arch of Nadal’s foot and redistribute weight to parts that were not so damaged.

The treatment appeared to work. At first.

But pain again became unbearable in 2005, this time not only in his foot, but in both his knees. The redistribution of weight had put enormous pressure on his joints.

At 21 years old, Nadal began suffering from patellar tendonitis in both knees, responsible for pain so severe it would cause him to withdraw from several championships over the course of his career.

Over the next 10 years, Nadal would take 25 months off because of injury – including foot, knee, wrist and more recently, hip pain.

Let's not forget the year a photo of Nadal’s hand went viral during the French Open, almost as a metaphor for how much this man is willing to endure without giving up.

Rafael Nadal's hand injury at 2018 French Open. Image via Getty.

Nadal is also famous for his incredibly predictable behaviour during a match.

When he arrives at each match, he plants his energy drink slightly in front of his water bottle with both labels perfectly facing the court. At every change of ends, he straightens his two water bottles – ensuring they’re perfectly aligned.

Before each and every serve, he places his hair behind his ear and fiddles with his shorts.

And after every single point, Nadal towels himself – even if he isn’t sweaty.Despite how easy it has looked, for Nadal, every second hurts. But for him, it's always been worth it.

This article was originally published in January 2020, and has since been updated with new information.Feature Image: Getty.

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