TL;DR:
- Tennis legend Rafael Nadal’s 20-year career ended as Spain lost to Netherlands in Davis Cup quarterfinals, with the 38-year-old losing his final match 6-4, 6-4 to Botic van de Zandschulp.
- In an emotional farewell ceremony, Nadal received tributes from tennis legends including Federer and Djokovic, while his family and 11,500 fans witnessed his final professional appearance.
- The 22-time Grand Slam champion retires as the “King of Clay” with 14 French Open titles, 92 career ATP titles, and 209 weeks as World No. 1, marking the end of an era in tennis.
- Despite Carlos Alcaraz winning his singles match, Spain’s Davis Cup hopes ended when the Netherlands won the decisive doubles match, making Nadal’s singles loss his career finale.
Tennis legend Rafael Nadal’s illustrious career came to an emotional end as Spain was eliminated from the Davis Cup Finals by the Netherlands in Malaga on Tuesday. The 22-time Grand Slam champion lost his final professional match 6-4, 6-4 to Botic van de Zandschulp.
The 38-year-old Spaniard was visibly emotional during the national anthem before the match, his hand trembling as tears welled in his eyes. “Of course it has been an emotional day and I felt nerves before what could be my last match as a professional,” Nadal admitted afterward.
Despite Carlos Alcaraz leveling the tie with a 7-6(0), 6-3 victory over Tallon Griekspoor, the Netherlands clinched the quarterfinal when van de Zandschulp and Wesley Koolhof defeated Alcaraz and Marcel Granollers 7-6(4), 7-6(3) in the decisive doubles match.
In a touching post-match ceremony, Nadal received tributes from tennis legends including Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Serena Williams. The 11,500-strong crowd repeatedly chanted “Rafa, Rafa” as career highlights played on the big screen.
“I’m not tired of playing tennis but my body doesn’t want to play anymore, so I have to accept that,” said an emotional Nadal. “I feel super privileged for having been able to make my hobby my profession for much longer than I ever imagined.”
Known as the “King of Clay,” Nadal retires with an unprecedented 14 French Open titles among his 22 Grand Slam victories. His career highlights include:
- 22 Grand Slam singles titles
- 209 weeks as World No. 1
- 92 career ATP titles
- 5 Davis Cup victories with Spain
- Olympic gold medals in singles and doubles
Van de Zandschulp, who delivered the final victory over Nadal, acknowledged the weight of the moment: “It is tough to close out a match against him, knowing it could be his last. The crowd was intense, which is understandable. That’s what it means to compete against Rafa in Spain.”
As Nadal waved goodbye one final time, he left behind a legacy that transcends his sporting achievements, remembered not just for his titles but for his fighting spirit and humility throughout his 20-year professional career.
Source: BBC
