Rafael Nadal's last appearance: Latest info as icon prepares to retire at Davis Cup Finals

will become the second of the 'Big Three' to step away from professional tennis after confirming his plans for the final event of his career.

s as a professional, bringing the curtain down on his spectacular journey to becoming one of the greatest men's tennis players of all time.

Nadal, 38, is second on the all-time list of male Grand Slam winners with 22 Majors, which includes a period of utter domination at the French Open. Only Novak Djokovic, with 24, has won more.

The King of Clay has won 14 of his titles at Roland Garros and racked up an incredible record of 112 wins and just four defeats on the Parisian clay - a feat that will surely never be repeated or surpassed.

But after being plagued by injury in the latter years of his career, Nadal has decided to end his time on the court and join Roger Federer in the retirees club following his expected participation at the Davis Cup Finals in November.

"The reality is that it has been some difficult years - these last two especially," Nadal said in a video message posted on social media. "I don't think I have been able to play without limitations.

"It is obviously a difficult decision, one that has taken me some time to make. But in this life everything has a beginning and an end.

"I think it's the appropriate time to put an end to a career that has been very long and much more successful than I could have ever imagined. But I am very excited that my last tournament will be the final of the Davis Cup and representing my country."

The Manacor native will represent Spain for one final time at the tournament, which will fittingly be held on his home turf in Malaga, and Nadal will be motivated to finish his career on a winning note.

Just as he did at the 2024 Olympics in Paris, Nadal will be partnered with Carlos Alcaraz as the Spanish team take a strong squad to the tournament. The pair will be joined by Roberto Bautista Agut, Pablo Carreno Busta and Marcel Granollers.

They will be aiming to win their seventh Davis Cup title and a first since 2019, with Nadal contributing to four of those victories - including the most recent success against Canada five years ago.

Captain David Ferrer, who is tasked with selecting players for their respective ties, has indicated the veteran could play both in the singles and doubles events at the quarter-final stage.

Spain will face the Netherlands in the first quarter-final at the Martin Capena Arena on November 19, 2024, with a potential semi-final taking place three days later.

If they are successful in reaching the showpiece event, Nadal's last-ever match may well see him play in the final of the Davis Cup, which is scheduled for November 24.