ITF President David Haggerty has paid tribute to Rafael Nadal following the Spaniard's announcement that he will retire after the Davis Cup Final 8 in Malaga in November.

Nadal, who won 22 Grand Slam singles titles - including a record 14 at Roland Garros - as well as Olympic singles and doubles gold, and four Davis Cup titles for Spain - will hang up his racket as the second-most successful men's singles player in history, behind long-time rival Novak Djokovic.

"Rafael Nadal is one of the greatest male tennis players of all time and as sad as it is to hear this news, I would like to congratulate him on his phenomenal career," said Haggerty. "Of course his individual record speaks for itself, but it was when he had the Spanish flag on his chest that we saw him at his absolute best.

"The raw passion he showed in leading Spain to four Davis Cup titles will live long in the memory, and has inspired a generation of youngsters across the world to pick up a racket. A two-time Olympic gold medallist – in men’s singles at Beijing 2008 and men’s doubles at Rio 2016 – Rafa’s drive to be the best for his country has been astonishing."

Haggerty acknowledged how the Spaniard has transcended the sport through his character, attitude and influence, as much as for his remarkable on-court prowess.

"At the ITF, our work as global guardians of tennis with responsibility for developing the game worldwide is enhanced by the achievements of an icon and role model like Rafa," Haggerty added.

"Next month’s Davis Cup Final 8 in Malaga was already shaping up to be another spectacular event. It is fitting that a man who has competed in his nation’s colours with such pride has a chance to do so at the pinnacle of international team tennis for one last time."