Rafael Nadal has “outperformed more than anyone” as Roger Federer made the “talent” comparison during the Spaniard's retirement

Nadal will draw the curtain on a stunning career in which he won 22 Grand Slam titles, including 14 at the French Open. Perhaps the most memorable moment was the 2008 Wimbledon final against Roger Federer, when Nadal won a marathon five-set match as darkness fell.

Nadal is also a four-time US Open champion, while twice winning the Australian Open and Wimbledon titles, and the 38-year-old will make his final appearance at the Davis Cup final in Malaga in November.

Eurosport's Mats Wilander, who himself won the French Open title in 1982 aged just 17, believes that despite his brilliance, Nadal has overachieved in his career.

“Rafa, you could talk about top performers,” Wilander began in conversation with Arnold Montgault.

“In my opinion, despite all the injuries he's had, he's achieved a little too much. He's obviously incredibly talented in terms of his feel and understanding of the game. But in terms of technique, perhaps someone like Roger Federer is more talented and therefore perhaps it should have done better in terms of results.

“So he gave it his all. He exceeded his performance. To me that puts him in a category of his own because he has excelled more than anyone else. He’s such a great competitor.”

Wilander's first reaction to Nadal's retirement was shock.

“My first reaction to Rafa’s announcement was that I was still sleeping,” he said.

“Waking up is of course a nightmare for all of us who love tennis. But we waited and expected it to happen. It was just a matter of when it would happen.”

“I guess the Davis Cup is so close to Rafa’s heart, so much to most of us.”

“There is a team spirit there and you can celebrate with your team, win or lose. I understand Rafa's decision to stop here. But it's a sad day for tennis in general. He brought so much passion to the sport.”

Wilander also said that Nadal's presence kept his two other “Big Three” main rivals at bay and the trio were all able to find each other's weaknesses and beat each other.

“I think (Rafa and Toni Nadal) recognized very early on that Novak wasn't necessarily going to be the best of all time, but he's a problem because of the way he plays, how physical he is, the fighter he always is “still is,” explained Wilander.

“Tactically speaking, a great two-handed backhand proves to be the most important shot needed against Rafa Nadal. And of course, Federer has found other ways to beat Rafa in some of his biggest matches. How do you create a player who can do that? Can you beat Nadal? You go to Novak Djokovic. How do you create a player who can beat Roger Federer?

“These guys are so perfect for each other in terms of what we were looking for, to disrupt the peace between Roger dominating, then Roger, Rafa, here comes Novak.”

“Rafa, more than anyone else, took them all to the next level because of his passion.”