Rafael Nadal retires/ Davis Cup Nadal/ Nadal last match/ tennis legend farewell/ Nadal career highlights/ MALAGA/ Spain / Newslooks/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Rafael Nadal played his final professional tennis match Tuesday, losing 6-4, 6-4 to Botic van de Zandschulp in the Davis Cup quarterfinals. Spain’s elimination marked the end of Nadal’s illustrious career, celebrated with tributes from fans, teammates, and sports legends. The 22-time Grand Slam champion departs as one of the sport’s greatest icons.
Rafael Nadal’s Emotional Farewell: Quick Looks
- Final Match: Nadal lost to Botic van de Zandschulp as Spain exited the Davis Cup.
- Career Milestones: 22-time Grand Slam champion, including 14 French Open titles.
- Tributes: Federer, Djokovic, and other sports icons honored Nadal during an emotional ceremony.
- Quote: “I’m not tired of playing tennis, but my body doesn’t want to play anymore.”
- Legacy: A relentless competitor on court and a national hero off it.
Deep Look
On Tuesday night, Rafael Nadal bid an emotional goodbye to professional tennis. The 22-time Grand Slam champion’s career came to an end following a 6-4, 6-4 loss to Botic van de Zandschulp of the Netherlands during the Davis Cup quarterfinals. Moments after Spain’s elimination, the sold-out Palacio de Deportes Jose Maria Martin Carpena erupted in chants of “Raaa-faaa,” paying tribute to one of the greatest players the sport has ever seen.
A Career Ends in Spain’s Defeat
Spain entered the Davis Cup quarterfinals with high hopes, but Nadal, at 38, faced challenges in his first match since August. Despite roaring support from 9,200 fans, Nadal couldn’t find his rhythm against the 80th-ranked van de Zandschulp. After losing in straight sets, Nadal turned to cheer for his teammate and heir apparent, Carlos Alcaraz.
Alcaraz leveled the tie with a 7-6 (0), 6-3 victory over Tallon Griekspoor, but the deciding doubles match saw the Dutch duo of van de Zandschulp and Wesley Koolhof edge out Alcaraz and Marcel Granollers 7-6 (4), 7-6 (3).
Nadal jokingly reflected on his Davis Cup career, which began with a loss in 2004 and ended similarly. “I lost my first match in the Davis Cup, and I lost my last one,” he said with a wide grin. “So we close the circle.”
A Legacy of Relentless Greatness
Nadal’s career is defined by his fierce competitiveness and grace off the court. Known for his 14 French Open titles, he leaves an indelible mark on tennis history. His Davis Cup singles record of 29-2 is another testament to his excellence.
During the match, flashes of the old Nadal emerged—his signature headband, powerful forehands, and shouts of “Vamos!” But the effects of age and injuries were evident. A chronic hip issue and multiple surgeries limited Nadal to just 24 matches over the past two years, and his body ultimately dictated his retirement.
An Emotional Ceremony
The night culminated in a heartfelt ceremony featuring video tributes from tennis greats Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, Serena Williams, and Andy Murray, as well as stars like Sergio Garcia and David Beckham. Fans waved “Gracias, Rafa!” scarves and Spanish flags as Nadal wept openly.
“I’d like to be remembered as a good person from a small village in Mallorca,” Nadal told the crowd. “Just a kid that followed their dreams, worked as hard as possible, and lived my passion.”
Spain’s Davis Cup captain, David Ferrer, who lost to Nadal in the 2013 French Open final, summed it up: “We will miss you a lot. You know very well what you have meant to the tennis world.”
A Nation’s Hero
For Spaniards, Nadal’s legacy transcends tennis. Fans like 19-year-old Luis Julve traveled from Madrid to witness his farewell. “This was something special—a chance to see the greatest sportsman in the country’s history,” Julve said.
As Nadal waved goodbye one final time, the arena filled with standing ovations. His humility, relentless work ethic, and passion for the game solidified his place as a national hero and global sports icon.
Nadal’s Parting Words
In his final remarks, Nadal reflected on the privilege of turning his hobby into a career. “The truth is that nobody ever wants to arrive at this moment,” he said. “I’m not tired of playing tennis, but it’s my body that doesn’t want to play anymore, so I have to accept the situation. Honestly, I feel super privileged for having been able to make a career out of my hobby, and for having played for much longer than I could ever have imagined.”
Nadal exits as one of tennis’s all-time greats, leaving a legacy of unmatched excellence and humility.
