Rafael Nadal’s illustrious tennis career ended on a somber note as Spain was defeated by the Netherlands in the Davis Cup quarter-finals in Malaga.
The 38-year-old Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam champion, had previously confirmed that the Davis Cup would be his final appearance in a team event. He lost 6-4, 6-4 to Botic van de Zandschulp, giving the Netherlands an early lead in the best-of-three tie.
Carlos Alcaraz, Spain’s current top player, kept Nadal’s hopes alive with a 7-6 (7-0), 6-3 win over Tallon Griekspoor, setting up a potential final farewell for Nadal. However, in the decisive doubles match, Alcaraz and Marcel Granollers were defeated 7-6 (7-4), 7-6 (7-3) by van de Zandschulp and Wesley Koolhof, securing the Netherlands’ victory.
After the match, an emotional Nadal reflected on his career: “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,” he said. “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, who had been sitting on the bench with the Spanish team, joined the players on court to console Alcaraz and Granollers, who were visibly disappointed. The crowd, still filled with admiration, chanted “Rafa, Rafa, Rafa” as the Dutch players celebrated their semi-final berth. Nadal was then honored with a prolonged standing ovation, which lasted over a minute.
His family, including wife Mery, son Rafael junior, parents Ana Maria and Sebastian, and sister Maribel, were in the stands for the emotional farewell. Longtime members of his support team wore T-shirts bearing the logo of Nadal’s “Raging Bull” nickname, representing his fierce determination on the court.
The celebration continued with a video montage showcasing Nadal’s career highlights, including personal messages from tennis legends Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Serena Williams, Andy Murray, and other prominent sports figures like David Beckham and Andrés Iniesta. After a final round of applause, Nadal walked off the court, blowing kisses to the crowd as a professional player for the last time.
Despite doubts about his fitness, Nadal played in the singles match after not competing for over three months. He had hoped to keep emotions in check and focus on helping Spain secure a sixth Davis Cup title. However, the emotion of the moment overcame him as he teared up during the Spanish national anthem, his hand trembling in the emotional atmosphere.
“I tried my best, I tried to enjoy and play with the right energy and the right attitude,” Nadal said, acknowledging the challenge of playing at a reduced level.
Nadal, who retires as the second-most successful men’s singles player in Grand Slam history with 22 titles, leaves behind an extraordinary legacy. He holds the record for the most French Open titles, with 14 victories, and has won 112 of his 116 matches at Roland Garros. His Grand Slam tally also includes four US Open titles and two each at Wimbledon and the Australian Open. Additionally, he won Olympic singles and doubles gold medals and played a significant role in Spain’s four Davis Cup victories, including in 2019.
