Statement: David Haggerty, ITF President on Rafael Nadal retirement from professional tennis

"Rafael Nadal is one of the greatest male tennis players of all time and as sad as it is to hear this news, I would like to congratulate him on his phenomenal career. Of course his individual record speaks for itself, but it was when he had his nation's flag on his chest that we saw him at his absolute best. 

"The raw passion he showed in leading Spain to four Davis Cup titles will live long in the memory, and has inspired a generation of youngsters across the world to pick up a racket. A two-time Olympic gold medallist – in men’s singles at Beijing 2008 and men’s doubles at Rio 2016 – Rafa’s drive to be the best for his country has been astonishing.

"At the ITF, our work as global guardians of tennis with responsibility for developing the game worldwide is enhanced by the achievements of an icon and role model like Rafa.

"Next month’s Davis Cup Final 8 in Malaga was already shaping up to be another spectacular event. It is fitting that a man who has competed in his nation’s colours with such pride has a chance to do so at the pinnacle of international team tennis for one last time."