Spanish legend retires from tennis

Bethlehem Together - The Spaniard, who has won 22 Grand Slam titles, has decided that his participation in the Davis Cup next November in Malaga will be his last tournament on the yellow ball courts. "I am here to tell you that I have decided to retire from tennis," Nadal, 38, said in a video posted on his social media accounts on Thursday. "The truth is that I have gone through some difficult years, especially the last two, and I do not think that I am able to play without restrictions." He continued: "This is of course a difficult decision and it took me some time to make it, but in this life everything has a beginning and an end, and I think this is the right time to put an end to my career." He continued: "I feel excited that my last tournament will be the Davis Cup Finals and to represent my country. One of the happiest moments in my career was the Davis Cup Final in Seville in 2004." "I feel very lucky for everything I've been through. I want to thank the entire tennis industry and everyone involved in the sport, from my teammates to my big rivals. I've spent many hours with them and had moments that I'll remember for the rest of my life," he said. He continued: "For my team, it will be more difficult. They have been a very important part of my life and they are like friends to me. They have been by my side all the times I have needed them, whether good or bad. We have lived a lot together." He added: "Family means everything to me. My mother made all the sacrifices possible so that we could have everything. My wife has been with me for 19 years. Thank you for everything she has given me. She has been my best friend on the journey throughout the past years." 'Coming home and watching my son grow every day has been the strength that has kept me alive,' he added. 'I have a strong relationship with my sister, and my uncle is the reason I play tennis. Thanks to him, I have been able to overcome many difficult moments in my career. My father has been an inspiration to me, and I thank him very much.' Sour ce: Maan News Agency