Tennis great Rafael Nadal announced his impending retirement from the sport on Thursday at age 38 after winning 22 Grand Slam singles titles during an unprecedented era he shared with his rivals in the so-called Big Three, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.

Rafael Nadal, one of tennis’ greatest icons, has retired at 38 following Spain’s Davis Cup exit. His illustrious career includes 22 Grand Slam titles, starting with a victorious debut at the 2005 French Open as a teenager.

Now 38, Nadal bid farewell to the sport he ruled for nearly two decades. His exit comes after Spain's defeat to the Netherlands in the Davis Cup quarterfinals on Tuesday night