Rafael Nadal didn't hesitate when settling the GOAT debate between himself and Novak Djokovic

Rafael Nadal didn't hesitate when settling the tennis GOAT debate between himself and Novak Djokovic.

The Spaniard has announced his retirement from professional tennis at the end of the season after a 23-year career.

Nadal has won 22 Grand Slam titles, including 14 French Open titles - a record. In the history of tennis, Djokovic (24) is the only male player to win more Grand Slam titles than Nadal.

Despite being one year older than the Spaniard, Djokovic is still at the very top of his game - aided by his significantly lighter injury record compared to Nadal - and won an Olympic gold medal for the first time at Paris 2024.

You can watch Nadal's retirement announcement below.

Speaking before that announcement, Nadal was asked to name who out of himself or Djokovic could be named as the better tennis player.

He told Spanish outlet AS: "I believe that numbers are numbers, and statistics are statistics.

"In that sense, I think he has better numbers than mine, and that is indisputable. This is the truth.

"The rest are tastes, inspiration, sensations that one or the other may transmit to you, that you may like one or the other more.

"I think that, with respect to titles, Djokovic is the best in history. And there is nothing to discuss about that."

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While Nadal has now contested his final Grand Slam, there are a number of events that he can still compete in before the tennis season ends in December.

He has announced that he will compete in his final professional tournament at the Davis Cup Finals, which be will be held in Malaga, Spain, from November 19-24.

In the video revealing his retirement, Nadal explained: "The reality is that it has been some difficult years, the last two especially.

"I don't think I have been able to play without limitations."