There was no fairytale ending to Rafael Nadal’s legendary career, but for the Spanish icon, there didn’t need to be. As his retirement was confirmed in Malaga during the Davis Cup Finals, the love and admiration from fans made it clear his legacy was already cemented.
Spain’s 2-1 quarter-final loss to the Netherlands dashed hopes of a storybook conclusion to Nadal’s final tournament. However, the send-off organized by the International Tennis Federation and the Davis Cup committee provided a fitting farewell for the 22-time Grand Slam champion.
Although his great rivals Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic couldn’t attend due to logistical challenges, both contributed heartfelt messages in a moving tribute video. Soccer legend David Beckham also featured in the tribute, which left the crowd in tears. Nadal’s emotional speech captured the humility and gratitude that have defined his career.
“I’ve been very lucky,” said Nadal, addressing the crowd with tears in his eyes. “A lot of people work hard and give their best every single day. I’m just a kid from a small village in Mallorca who followed his dreams. I worked as hard as I could, and I achieved more than I ever thought possible.
“The titles and numbers are there, but what matters most to me is being remembered as a good person.”
The emotional scenes came after Nadal’s final singles match, a 6-4, 6-4 loss to Botic van de Zandschulp. Carlos Alcaraz briefly reignited Spain’s hopes with a 7-6(0), 6-3 victory over Tallon Griekspoor, but the decisive doubles match ended in disappointment as van de Zandschulp and Wesley Koolhof overcame Alcaraz and Marcel Granollers to seal Spain’s elimination.
Reflecting on his last match, Nadal admitted the emotions were overwhelming. “Of course, it has been an emotional day. Hearing the national anthem for the last time as a professional was incredibly special,” he said. “But mixed feelings make things more difficult. I tried to stay positive and play with the right energy, but Botic was better today. Congratulations to him.”
Nadal also revealed his doubts about competing, given it was his first singles match since the Paris Olympics last summer. “It wasn’t an easy decision for the captain,” Nadal admitted. “I told him from the beginning not to feel any pressure to put me on the court. Honestly, I wasn’t sure if I should play. I even suggested Roberto [Bautista Agut] might be a better choice.
“Looking back, maybe the decision to play me as the second singles player didn’t work, but that’s sport. You win some, you lose some.”
With a smile, Nadal noted the symmetry of his Davis Cup journey. “I lost my first match in the Davis Cup, and now I’ve lost my last one. In a way, it feels like the circle is complete.”
Despite this being his last competitive match, Nadal hinted at the possibility of a farewell exhibition event, potentially involving Djokovic, Federer, Andy Murray, and other tennis greats. For now, though, the tennis world must come to terms with the end of an extraordinary chapter.
For fans and followers of the sport, watching Nadal leave the court for the final time was a poignant moment. Over the past two decades, he has created memories that will last forever, and his impact on tennis is immeasurable.
All that remains to say is: Vamos, Rafa.
