The popular saying is that no one is bigger than a club or a sport. For every prosperous beginning comes an emotional ending, but the cycle continues and life moves on.
When it comes to Rafael Nadal, he is one of the very few exceptions.
Earlier this week, the 38-year-old announced his decision to retire from professional tennis after the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga next month.
"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... I think it's the appropriate time to put an end to a career that has been long and much more successful than I could have ever imagined," he said in a video posted on social media.
For most, the news was inevitable given Nadal's injury issues - some may even admit that it was a surprise that he didn't pull the pin earlier. But that's not in his DNA.
A 22-time Grand Slam champion, 14-time French Open winner, a former World No.1 and an Olympic gold medalist are just the pick of the bunch from an extraordinary collection of accolades.
Memories range from bursting onto the scene and winning his first major at Roland Garros in 2005, an epic five-set victory to claim Wimbledon glory against Roger Federer in 2008, a famous comeback to topple Daniil Medvedev to reclaim his throne at Melbourne Park and everything in between... we have truly been blessed to witness greatness.
When the announcement was made public, it felt as though the world stood still in silence trying to process a moment that was hoped would never arrive.
For someone of Nadal's stature and standing in the game, it's incredibly strenuous to find the right words to pay respect. Millions of ideas and thoughts run through the mind, but one post or a few sentences is insufficient for what the Spaniard has done for tennis.
From a teenager, he was regarded as the next big thing. The talent aspect is easy to discover early. However, the difficult part is forming an opinion of someone's character until they have endured every experience to show their true colours.
Countless young kids around the globe idolise Nadal. A big part of that is down to his attitude, work ethic and never-say-die approach.
A massive name anywhere he stepped foot, Nadal still made people feel they were talking to another regular person with his humble aura and down-to-earth kindness who always set aside time for journalists, ball kids and fans.
Award-winning journalist and The First Serve contributor Courtney Walsh shared his first-hand account of Nadal's respectful character.
This is a man who has never smashed a single racquet in a career spanning over two decades. He never made excuses. He was gracious in defeat.
In 2016, Nadal established the 'Rafa Nadal Academy' in his hometown of Manacor, Spain. With 23 hard courts and 20 clay courts, he opened doors for juniors 10-18 years old to train in world-class facilities and learn the values of respect and hard work. It was his way of giving back to the sport that gave him everything.
He founded the inspirational 'Rafa Nadal Foundation' in 2008 intending to promote education and sport among underprivileged children. It funds programs, resources and supplies to provide those children with the best possible chance of success.
Then there's the rivalry between himself and his two biggest competitors, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.
Given the tag of the 'Big Three,' they may have shared the ultimate rivalries, but after the words "game, set and match" were announced, they were great friends with the utmost admiration for one another.
The photo of Nadal and Federer sitting next to each other on the bench in tears during the Swiss maestro's final professional match during the Laver Cup epitomised the respect they shared.
After five hours and 53 minutes of brilliance in an epic 2012 Australian Open final, lost by Nadal against Djokovic in five sets, the pair were so spent that they required chairs to sit during the trophy presentation.
That moment right there perfectly summarised Nadal and his rivalry with Djokovic. They left nothing in the tank. They fought for every ball. They set the standard for professionalism and competition.
With little over one month to go until Nadal's final farewell in Malaga, there will still be time to properly commemorate a true legend of the sport.
Perhaps we have all been guilty of taking his success and talent for granted over the years, but the Davis Cup is your opportunity to appreciate a heroic athlete with a heart of gold one last time.
The tennis world will be left with another gaping hole to fill after Federer and Murray's recent retirements. This one will hurt just as much - because Nadal is bigger than tennis.
Gracias, Rafa.
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