Rafael Nadal, a tennis legend with 22 Grand Slam titles, recently announced that his appearance in the Davis Cup would be his last.
The 38-year-old was defeated 6-4 6-4 by Botic van de Zandschulp in the opening match of the quarter-finals. This marked the end of his career in the men’s team event.
Spain’s Hopes Stay Alive with Alcaraz
Despite Nadal’s loss, Carlos Alcaraz, Spain’s rising star, kept the team’s chances alive. He won 7-6 (7-0) 6-3 against Tallon Griekspoor. Alcaraz’s win gave Spain hope for a possible farewell victory for Nadal.
However, in the deciding doubles match, Alcaraz and Marcel Granollers lost 7-6 (7-4) 7-6 (7-3) to Van de Zandschulp and Wesley Koolhof. This sealed the win for the Netherlands, ending Spain’s run.
Nadal Reflects on His Career
Nadal addressed the crowd with deep emotion, thanking them for their support over the past 20 years. He said, “It has been 20 years of a professional career in which you have carried me through the good times, and in the bad, you pushed me to keep playing.”
The Spanish star also thanked his teammates and said his body was no longer able to keep up with the demands of tennis. “I feel super privileged, I’ve been able to make my hobby my profession for a long time,” he shared.
A Legacy That Will Last
Nadal’s retirement from the Davis Cup ends an unforgettable chapter in tennis. While his career in the team event is over, his influence on the sport is far from finished.
With 22 Grand Slam titles and a string of incredible victories, Nadal will forever be a part of tennis history. His legacy will inspire future generations of players.
How Nadal, fellow superstars and fans said goodbye
Nadal, who had been watching from the bench with the rest of the Spanish team, hopped on to court to console Alcaraz and Granollers.
Both looked despondent as they sat with their heads bowed, listening to the victorious Dutch players celebrating reaching the semi-finals.
Many stayed in the 11,500-capacity Palacio de Deportes arena, chanting “Rafa, Rafa, Rafa” for one final time as they waited for Koolhof and Van de Zandschulp to conclude a post-match interview.
When the moment came for Nadal to take centre stage, he was given another standing ovation and a round of applause lasting over a minute.
Nadal’s family, including his wife Mery, young son Rafael junior, parents Ana Maria and Sebastian and sister Maribel, were present in the stands.
Long-time members of his backroom team wore T-shirts depicting the logo of the ‘Raging Bull’ which became his moniker, inspired by his indomitable fighting spirit.
After finishing a heartfelt speech in Spanish, the main lights dimmed and a spotlight surrounded Nadal.
He stared at the court for a few moments, chewing his lip as he fought back the tears.
The next part of the celebration was a video montage of career highlights and personal messages from sporting superstars, 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.
Another elongated spell of applause followed before he walked off the court, blowing kisses on the way, for the final time as a professional player.
