Tears streamed down Rafael Nadal's face as he took his final bow from professional tennis on Tuesday, leaving fans and fellow players alike heartbroken and in awe of his illustrious career.

In an emotional farewell message, the tennis legend shared his humble wish, stating, "I just want to be remembered as a good person and a kid that followed their dreams and achieved more than what I’ve ever dreamed." Despite the somber occasion and Spain's unexpected elimination from the Davis Cup by the Netherlands, Nadal appeared resolute about his decision to retire, basking in the praise from his peers during an emotional tribute video.

Roger Federer, one of Nadal's greatest rivals, expressed his admiration: "It was such a privilege to play with you, but especially against you. Congratulations on the most incredible career." Novak Djokovic added, "Your tenacity, fighting spirit, and energy are qualities that will inspire many generations to come. I’ve been honored to call you my rival." Serena Williams revealed how Nadal inspired her competitive fire, saying, "You inspired me to have so many wins - to keep going, to fight, and to improve."

As Nadal walked off the court for the last time, he blew kisses to the crowd, hugged his Spanish teammates, and waved goodbye, contemplating a remarkable journey that began at the tender age of 14. His professional career took flight in 2001, but it was in April 2002 that he marked his first ATP Tour win on his home island of Mallorca, paving the way for a meteoric rise in the sporting world.

Nadal's breakthrough year came in 2005 when at just 18 years old, he propelled himself into the limelight by winning the Davis Cup alongside his Spanish team, defeating then-world No. 2 Andy Roddick in a dramatic final. The same year marked the onset of his legendary rivalry with Federer, which would captivate tennis fans for nearly two decades.

While many fans consider Nadal the 'King of Clay,' it was in 2004 that he truly established his dominance on that surface, winning his first French Open title and initiating a history-making streak that would see him claim 14 French Open titles, more than any other player in history. His unparalleled record at Roland Garros stands as a testament to his hard work and dedication, with just three losses at this Grand Slam throughout his career.

With a total of 22 Grand Slam titles, including two Australian Opens, two Wimbledons, and four US Opens, Nadal's name is forever etched in the annals of tennis history. His relentless approach to the game transformed how players perceive clay courts and showcased what it means to dominate a specific surface.

Perhaps the pinnacle of Nadal's career came during his iconic 2008 Wimbledon final against Federer, regarded by many as the greatest tennis match of all time. After a grueling seven-hour battle interrupted by rain delays, Nadal triumphed in a historic fifth set, cementing his status as a legend of the sport.

Over his career, Nadal also accumulated 92 ATP titles and achieved the coveted 'Golden Slam' in 2010, where he won all four Grand Slams and Olympic gold in singles. He remains renowned for his fighting spirit and unyielding determination, often described as one of the toughest competitors in the history of tennis.

However, Nadal's career was not without its challenges. Countless injuries plagued him, leading to missed opportunities at upcoming Grand Slam titles. As he retires at the age of 38, many are left pondering how many more records he could have shattered had fate been kinder to his body.

Ultimately, Nadal's legacy transcends mere statistics; it embodies resilience, passion, and an unwavering love for the game. As he steps away from the spotlight, one thing is certain: Rafael Nadal will forever be celebrated not just as the 'King of Clay', but as one of the greatest athletes of all time.