Rafael Nadal’s illustrious career came to an end after his Spain team were beaten by the Netherlands in the Davis Cup quarter-finals.
Spanish great Nadal, who has won 22 Grand Slam titles, announced his retirement after the men’s team event in Malaga.
38-year-old Rafael Nadal lost 6-4 6-4 to Botic van de Zandschulp, who stayed composed in testing conditions to put his team ahead in the best-of-three tie.
Carlos Alcaraz, who has taken over the mantle as Spain’s leading star, beat Tallon Griekspoor 7-6 (7-0) 6-3 in the second singles match to keep Nadal’s hopes of a potential farewell appearance alive.
But Alcaraz and Marcel Granollers were beaten 7-6 (7-4) 7-6 (7-3) by Van de Zandschulp and Wesley Koolhof in the deciding doubles.
Rafael Nadal who watched from the stands was given the center stage as he bid farewell to the game he won so many tittles in. There were highlights from his illustrious career and farewell messages from superstars across different sports; including tennis legends Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Serena Williams and Andy Murray, along with footballers David Beckham, Andres Iniesta and Raul, and golfer Sergio Garcia.
“The titles, the numbers are there. But the way I’d like to be remembered most is as a good person from a small village in Mallorca,” a tearful Nadal said afterwards.
“I was just a kid who followed his dreams and worked as hard as possible to get where I am today.
“I achieved my dreams and more than I ever thought.”
Nadal retires as the second-most successful men’s singles player of all time in terms of Grand Slam victories, behind only long-time rival Novak Djokovic.
