The 22-time Grand Slam champion's physical limitations were laid bare in what could be his last appearance as a professional player.

Rafael Nadal has retired at the Davis Cup Finals after Spain lost to the Netherlands. The 22-time Grand Slam champion will always hold a tennis audience though.

Hours after Nadal's 6-4, 6-4 loss to Botic van de Zandschulp of the Netherlands was over, the evening did turn out to represent the 22-time Grand Slam champion's farewell to professional tennis, because the Dutch eliminated the Spaniards in the quarterfinals just after midnight.

Nadal won 22 Grand Slam titles in his career and retires as one of the greatest men's tennis players of all time.

Since Rafael Nadal announced his retirement in early October, all focus has remained fixed on his final professional tournament at the Davis Cup. Building up to the momentous day, tributes and celebration of the 38-year-old have overtaken the international competition.

Rafael Nadal's impending retirement will loom over the Davis Cup Final 8 when play begins Tuesday in Malaga, Spain.

Rafael Nadal, one of the greatest men's tennis players in history, closed out his legendary career playing for Spain in the Davis Cup.

Rafa Nadal will not dwell on his impending retirement at the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga and only focus on helping Spain claim the trophy this week should he be called into action, the 38-year-old said on Monday.

Rafael Nadal’s remarkable 23-year career came to an end after Spain was eliminated by the Netherlands in the Davis Cup quarterfinals on Tuesday. In emotional scenes, Nadal - playing in his final professional tennis event - watched with tears in his eyes while other tennis greats,

The Netherlands reach the final of the Davis Cup for the first time as Tallon Griekspoor fights back in his singles match to clinch a 2-0 win over Germany.