No one thought that Rafa would play until 2024 and that he would remain at the highest level until 2022, when he won his last two Grand Slam titles (in Australia and Paris). Nadal has exceeded his limits several times and has subjected his body to a truly remarkable stress, never giving up even when injuries seemed to have taken over.

Nadal's career came to a heartbreaking end after Spain's decision to play him in the singles brutally backfired. The retiring legend went down 6-4 6-4 to Botic van de Zandschulp in the opening singles rubber, before the Netherlands completed a 2-1 victory in the deciding doubles match.

Rafael Nadal called time on his illustrious tennis career earlier this month, but the Spaniard is already looking ahead to his next sporting challenge

Charles Barkley gives his flowers to tennis legend Rafael Nadal for a legendary career following the star's retirement from the sport.

I have never seen a guy more pumped watching another team try and win a match... He was just so into it. He loves tennis."