Rafael Nadal calls time on epic, iconic tennis career [Video]

Rafael Nadal on Thursday announced he will retire at the end of the season having “come full circle” in a tennis career which brought 22 Grand Slam titles, global respect and inspired epic, iconic rivalries with Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.

“I am retiring from professional tennis. The reality is that it has been some difficult years, these last two especially,” Nadal said in a video on social media.

“It is obviously a difficult decision, one that has taken me some time to make. But in this life everything has a beginning and an end.”

The 38-year-old Spaniard is set to end his two decades as a professional with 92 titles and prize money alone of $135 million, indisputably one of the greatest tennis players in history.

“What a career, Rafa! I always hoped this day would never come,” said 20-time Grand Slam champion Federer.

“Thank you for the unforgettable …