Rafael Nadal’s tennis career will forever be remembered for the numbers — the 14 French Open titles, 22 Grand Slam championships, nearly two decades in the top 10 rankings, and countless other accolades. Equally unforgettable are his intense rivalries with Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, which captivated tennis fans around the world.

But what truly sets Nadal apart, and what will remain etched in memory, is the relentless effort and energy he brought to every match. Nadal’s all-out playing style, marked by intense physicality and determination, demanded everything from his body. Over the years, it led to a series of injuries, starting with his delayed debut at Roland Garros as a teenager and culminating in his final triumph there, made possible by painkilling injections.

Perhaps it’s no surprise that health issues ultimately forced Nadal to announce his retirement on Thursday, after limited appearances over the past two seasons. The fact that he lasted as long as he did is remarkable. The 38-year-old Nadal revealed that his farewell will take place next month when he represents Spain in the Davis Cup finals.

“Everything I have experienced has been a dream come true,” Nadal said in an emotional video shared on social media, which included highlights from his storied career, from unforgettable handshakes with Federer and Djokovic to victorious moments on the court. “I leave with the peace of mind knowing that I gave it my all.”

Nadal’s retirement follows that of Federer, who bowed out at 41 in 2022 after 20 Grand Slam titles. Their rivalry produced many iconic moments, none more famous than the 2008 Wimbledon final, which Nadal won 9-7 in the fifth set. Federer and Nadal faced each other numerous times, but it was Nadal’s head-to-head supremacy that stood out. Nadal and Djokovic met more often than any other two men in the Open Era, battling 60 times, with Djokovic narrowly leading their record 31-29. Their battles were marked by sheer physical and mental endurance, a relentless display of mirror-image athleticism.

As Djokovic put it in a heartfelt message on social media, “Your tenacity, dedication, and fighting spirit will be remembered for decades. Your legacy will live forever. Only you know what you had to endure to become an icon of tennis and sport in general.” Djokovic also promised to be there in Malaga, Spain, to witness Nadal’s final appearance in the Davis Cup.

Federer, who shared so many memorable moments with Nadal, posted his own tribute: “What a career, Rafa! I always hoped this day would never come. Thank you for the unforgettable memories and all your incredible achievements. It’s been an absolute honor!”

In June 2023, after hip surgery, Nadal’s body finally gave in. Despite his efforts to return to the form that once made him feared by opponents, particularly on clay, his injuries persisted. Still, Nadal’s heavy topspin forehand, impeccable returns, two-handed backhand, and tireless spirit will be remembered with deep admiration and respect. His humility only added to the respect he commanded on and off the court.

Carlos Alcaraz, who idolized Nadal growing up, summed it up perfectly: “Your legacy won’t be matched.”

The most defining aspect of Nadal’s legacy, of course, is his dominance at Roland Garros, where he holds an unparalleled record of 112-4. He claimed his first French Open title in 2005, and over the years, his victories there became a hallmark of his career. His success was so profound that in 2021, a larger-than-life steel statue of Nadal was erected outside Court Philippe Chatrier in Paris.

But in May 2023, during a press conference at his tennis academy in Manacor, Spain, Nadal admitted that his body could no longer keep up. “You can’t keep demanding more from your body because there comes a time when your body raises a white flag,” Nadal said. “Even though your mind wants to continue, your body says this is as far as it goes.”

And now, on Thursday, that time has come.

The tennis world, as well as his peers and fans, will be forever grateful for the unforgettable moments Nadal brought to the sport. He will leave not just as one of the greatest tennis players in history but as a symbol of dedication, sportsmanship, and unwavering effort that will inspire future generations.