ATP star most famous for Rafael Nadal Wimbledon win announces retirement

Perhaps most famous for defeating Rafael Nadal at the 2012 Wimbledon Championships, tennis player Lukas Rosol has announced his retirement from the sport.

Turning pro in 2004, Rosol attained a career high of World No.26 in 2014. Additionally, the Czech star won two ATP singles titles, three doubles titles and the Davis Cup in 2012 and 2013 with the Czech Republic.

Although he won two titles in the 2010's, at the Romanian Open (2013) and the Winston-Salem Open (2014), Rosol was thrust into the spotlight following his victory over two-time champion Nadal at a second round Wimbledon clash in 2012. The then World No.100 shocked the second-seeded Spaniard in a five set thriller on Centre Court, later describing the victory as 'a miracle'. However, he was unable to recreate the moment when he faced Nadal two years later at the same tournament.

Rosol took to social media to release a statement announcing his retirement, as he reflected on the incredible journey that saw him accomplish his dreams.

“Everything ends one day and this end is harder than any other," wrote Rosol. "Growing up to this decision was not easy at all, every professional athlete will understand that. Tennis was, is and will be my whole life. But time does not stop a man and does not recommend a sore body. My career has had everything it should have. We worked hard, it hurt, we lost, we won."