Rafael Nadal ends an era in which he unleashed one of sport’s greatest weapons

The great Spaniard could hit his signature shot from seemingly any position, leaping across the court to unleash arguably the greatest weapon in tennis history.

Rafael Nadal has retired from tennis (John Walton/PA)

No matter how many times Rafael Nadal sent a full-power forehand flying down the line and into the corner, it always seemed that he achieved something impossible.

The left arm drew back, bicep rippling, before throwing the racket violently forward and up in a lasso motion around the head.