Rafael Nadal has announced his retirement from professional tennis, which will come after the Davis Cup in Málaga next month.

In a video message released on Thursday morning, Nadal said: “The reality is that it has been some difficult years, these last two especially. 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 its beginning and an end, and I think it’s the appropriate time to put an end to a career that has been long and much more successful than I ever could have imagined.”

Nadal, 38, will go down in history as an essential part of the greatest era of men’s professional tennis – and unquestionably the ultimate master of clay courts.

His 14 French Open titles represent arguably the most mind-boggling feat in any individual sport, with an associated win-loss record of 112-4. There is a strong argument that when Nadal was in good condition, both physically and mentally, he was unbeatable at Roland Garros.

Roger Federer, Nadal’s great rival, wrote on Instagram: “What a career, Rafa! I always hoped this day would never come. Thank you for the unforgettable memories and all your incredible achievements in the game we love. It’s been an absolute honour!”

Italian world No 1 Jannik Sinner, who is currently playing at the Shanghai Masters, said: “What I can say. I was very lucky to get to know him... and he’s an unbelievable person.

“We all saw how good he has been as a player, and the lessons he taught us, the young players, how to behave on the court, how to handle situations on the court, tough situations. He gave to all of us a lot of emotions when we saw him playing.

“And also to stay humble, at the same time, not changing with the success, choosing the right people around him, having a great family. But in another way, everything has a beginning, and it has a start, and also an ending.”

While Cristiano Ronaldo, also paid tribute, writing: “Rafa, what an incredible career you have had! Your dedication, passion and incredible talent have inspired millions around the world. It has been an honour to witness your journey and be able to call you a friend.

“Congratulations on an amazing career! Enjoy your retirement!”

Nadal’s announcement could leave his Spanish Davis Cup captain, the former French Open finalist David Ferrer, with some difficult selection decisions to make in Málaga.

It seems questionable whether Nadal, at this stage of his career, would be a better bet for the No 2 singles spot behind Carlos Alcaraz than the likes of Roberto Bautista Agut or Roberto Carballés Baena.

And if Ferrer were to opt for Nadal in doubles, reprising the Nadal-Alcaraz alliance that thrilled Paris during the Olympic Games, he would have to omit the world’s top-ranked doubles player Marcel Granollers.

If Nadal does not play singles in Málaga, his final official singles match will remain the one he contested at the Olympics against his great rival Novak Djokovic. This would be fitting, as their 60-match rivalry is the most prolific in the history of men’s tennis.

But Nadal will perhaps be remembered more for his great fire-meets-ice combination with Federer. Their 2008 Wimbledon final, which saw Nadal fight back to triumph in the gloaming, is widely regarded as the greatest tennis match ever played.