Spanish fans say Nadal's legacy and strength will live on despite retirement

Spanish tennis fans praised Rafa Nadal after he announced his retirement on Thursday (October 10) calling him a legend, a reference for Spanish tennis and an example of effort and sacrifice. Nadal will call time on his illustrious but injury-plagued career after next month's Davis Cup Finals, the 22-times Grand Slam champion announced on Thursday, as one of the greatest players in the sport prepares for an emotional farewell. Nadal, who won a record 14 French Open titles, had said previously he expected to retire this year after a hip injury that required surgery limited his appearances in 2023. The 38-year-old was a surprise selection for the Nov. 19-24 Davis Cup Final 8 in Malaga, after last competing at the Paris Olympics in July and subsequently missing the U.S. Open and Laver Cup over fitness concerns. Nadal, who has won two Australian Opens, two Wimbledon crowns and four U.S. Opens plus Olympic gold and four Davis Cups on top of his multiple French Open titles, said finishing his career in Spanish colors at the team event felt right. (Production: Elena Rodriguez, Catherine Macdonald)