Rafael Nadal’s career came to a poignant end on Wednesday after a 6-4, 6-4 loss to Botic van de Zandschulp in the Davis Cup quarterfinals. The 22-time Grand Slam champion, visibly emotional, stood alongside his teammates as Spain’s national anthem played, acknowledging what many feared might be his final match.
In a heartfelt post-match ceremony, Nadal was honored by spectators and tennis legends like Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Serena Williams, who paid tribute to his extraordinary career. As his eyes welled with tears, Nadal reflected on his legacy, stating, “I would like to be remembered as a good person from a small village in Mallorca.”
Nadal, 38, who has battled injuries in recent years, was unable to summon his best performance, struggling with hip and abdominal issues. Despite his defeat, Nadal showed his enduring passion for the game, later cheering on his heir apparent, Carlos Alcaraz. However, the Dutch team clinched the victory after a doubles defeat, sending Spain out of the competition.
Also Read: Davis Cup: Nadal starts farewell event with defeat; Spain trail Holland 0-1
The Spanish hero, whose record in Davis Cup singles stood at 29-1 before his final match, joked after the loss, “I lost my first match in the Davis Cup, and I lost my last one… So we close the circle.”
As he waved goodbye to the fans, Nadal expressed his gratitude for an illustrious career, stating, “I’m not tired of playing tennis, but it’s my body that doesn’t want to play anymore.” His retirement marks the end of an era for Spanish tennis, as he leaves behind an unparalleled legacy of resilience and sportsmanship.
(This story is sourced from a third-party syndicated feed. Raavi Media takes no responsibility or liability of any nature. Raavi Media management/ythisnews.com can alter or delete the content without notice for any reason.)
