Tennis fans stunned as Nadal announces retirement

The 38-year-old tennis icon, who has won 22 Grand Slam titles, announced his retirement on Thursday.

Transcript

00:00Hello, everyone. I'm here to tell you that I'm retiring from professional tennis.

00:11I'm sad because the time has come and I can't continue to enjoy it as it was,

00:17but on the other hand, I think it's time for him to retire because he can't compete as he likes.

00:23It's not him as it was in his time. He's extraordinary.

00:27He's one of those who are touched by the hand of God.

00:30There are two or three people like Roger, like him,

00:34Djokovic, a little behind me, but Roger and him are the best.

00:39Well, it's a surprise, but it's respectable and expected,

00:44but sad at the same time, but admirable, Rafa Nadal.

00:48He can do whatever he wants.

00:49I think he's the best Spanish athlete in history and possibly one of the best in the world.

00:54He's admirable in everything, as an athlete and as a person.

00:58Well, it must have been a difficult decision for him,

01:01but I think the one who knows his body better is him,

01:04and he's a generational athlete who inspired the legendary,

01:09and I think the decision is made because he wants to retire at the highest level.