"I hope to be remembered as a good person from a small village in Mallorca," Nadal told an adoring crowd
Tennis legend Rafael Nadal bid farewell to professional tennis on an emotional Tuesday night as Spain was eliminated by the Netherlands in the Davis Cup quarterfinals. The 38-year-old, a 22-time Grand Slam champion, played what is likely his final match in front of a raucous home crowd, marking the end of an iconic career.
The Netherlands clinched a narrow 2-1 victory over Spain, with Nadal suffering a 6-4, 6-4 defeat to Botic van de Zandschulp in the opening singles rubber.
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Carlos Alcaraz briefly revived Spanish hopes with a strong 7-6 (7/0), 6-3 win against Tallon Griekspoor, forcing a doubles decider. However, Van de Zandschulp and Wesley Koolhof prevailed in a tense 7-6 (7/4), 7-6 (7/3) doubles match to seal the tie and advance to the semifinals against Canada or Germany.
Nadal, who had not played an official singles match since July due to persistent injuries, was a last-minute confirmation for the tie. He appeared visibly moved during the Spanish national anthem as over 10,000 fans chanted his name.
“It was an emotional day, knowing this could be my last singles match as a professional,” Nadal reflected. “Hearing the national anthem one final time on court was incredibly special.”
Despite the immense support and flashes of his trademark brilliance, Nadal, ranked 154th in the world, struggled to match Van de Zandschulp’s consistency on the indoor hard court—far from Nadal’s favored clay surface.
“I gave it everything I had,” admitted Nadal. “I’m not in competitive rhythm, and while I’ve always been my toughest critic, today I won’t be. This was all I could give.”
Carlos Alcaraz, the world number three, kept Spain’s hopes alive in the second rubber, delivering a commanding performance against Griekspoor. After dominating the first-set tiebreak, Alcaraz sealed the win with a love service game.
“I did it for Rafa,” Alcaraz said after the match, acknowledging the weight of the occasion.
Taking to Instagram after the match, Alcaraz wrote, "There will be many more Davis, there is only one Rafa Thanks to you I have become a professional tennis player. It has been a blessing to be able to live your career as a child for whom you were an idol and then as a teammate! The best possible ambassador who leaves an eternal legacy."
In the decisive doubles match, Koolhof and Van de Zandschulp showcased their skills, particularly at the net, to edge past the Spanish duo of Alcaraz and Marcel Granollers. Despite brief comebacks and a spirited effort from Spain, the Dutch team clinched both tiebreaks to claim victory.
Post-match, the sold-out Palacio de Deportes erupted in chants of "Raaa-faaa" as a tribute video highlighted Nadal’s two-decade journey. Recorded messages from Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Serena Williams, and other sports icons, including David Beckham, added to the emotional farewell. "I hope to be remembered as a good person from a small village in Mallorca," Nadal told the adoring crowd.
Nadal bows out of the sport with 22 Grand Slam titles, including a record 14 French Open singles titles. He also won the Australian Open twice in 2009 and 2022, Wimbledon in 2008 and 2010. He was also successful in the US Open, winning the title four times in 2010, 2013, 2017 and 2019.
The 38-year-old secured 92 Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) tour-level titles, including 36 ATP Masters championship trophies. He also secured an Olympic gold medal in men's doubles back in the 2016 Rio Olympics, making him one of three men's stars besides Novak Djokovic and Andre Agassi to have completed a career golden slam by winning Olympic gold and all the major grand slam titles.
As the curtain falls, Nadal leaves behind a career marked by resilience, passion, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, inspiring generations of fans and players worldwide.
