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.

Rafael Nadal is preparing to retire from professional tennis, with his final event set for the Davis Cup finals starting Tuesday in front of a home

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.

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.

Rafael Nadal is getting set to retire from professional tennis after one last event: He will be part of Spain's team at the Davis Cup finals