The Spanish legend has announced that he will be bringing his remarkable career to a close at the end of the season and Becker thinks that the exit of another 'Big Three' player is a seminal moment for tennis.

Becker told Eurosport: "When I heard it, it was a punch in the gut.

"I think the decision is the right one. What hasn't Rafael Nadal won? He was world No. 1 for 209 weeks. He finished the year as No. 1 five times.

"Among the 22 titles were a whopping 14 Roland Garros titles. He also won every other Grand Slam at least twice. There are no real numbers.

"Then, of course, you have to look at his opponents. Federer is one of them, Djokovic is one of them, so the end of the Big Three is near."

Becker first encountered Nadal when the 22-time Grand Slam winner was just a teenager but recalled how he was "blown away" by the star's talent even then.

The three-time Wimbledon winner said: "I personally got to know Rafael Nadal many decades ago when I was fourteen or fifteen.

"His uncle Toni introduced him to me. Back then, Rafa also played with both hands on his forehand. What did I think of his young nephew? I was always blown away, even then.

"What really has to be emphasised is what sets him apart: his uncompromising attitude, his ambition, his motivation, his willingness to fight. The fact that he was always prepared to simply run one step further than the other. It was incredible how many balls he ran after and ultimately always played to the end.

"I can't remember a match where Nadal didn't want to play anymore. Sometimes he couldn't go on. He played on anyway. But he always fought to the end. And so many matches ended in the fifth set.

"I think that's the greatest quality he had, playing every game to the end with full vigour and passion."