Rafael Nadal Says Goodbye to Tennis After Spain’s Davis Cup Elimination

Rafael Nadal Bids Farewell at the Davis Cup After Spain’s Elimination

MALAGA, Spain (AP) — Rafael Nadal stood alongside his Davis Cup teammates, his lip trembling and eyes filled with tears, as Spain’s national anthem echoed on Tuesday. It was a poignant moment — one that signaled what many feared might be his final match as a professional tennis player.

Hours after Nadal’s 6-4, 6-4 loss to Botic van de Zandschulp of the Netherlands, Spain was eliminated from the Davis Cup, marking the end of the 22-time Grand Slam champion’s remarkable career. The defeat came just past midnight, and the defeat sealed Spain’s exit from the quarterfinals.

During the post-match ceremony, Nadal was overwhelmed with emotion as the crowd, chanting “Raaa-faaa,” celebrated his two-decade career. A video tribute highlighted his many accomplishments, featuring messages from tennis legends like Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Serena Williams, and Andy Murray, as well as sports stars such as soccer’s David Beckham and golfer Sergio Garcia.

“The titles and numbers are there, but how I would like to be remembered is as a good person from a small village in Mallorca — just a kid who followed his dreams and worked as hard as possible,” the 38-year-old Nadal told the cheering crowd at the packed Palacio de Deportes Jose Maria Martin Carpena. “I’ve been very lucky.”

Nadal had earlier said that while he was focused on trying to win one final trophy for Spain, the reality of his retirement, which he had announced last month, loomed large. Yet, after the match, he admitted that managing his emotions was difficult, especially in front of a home crowd that showed up for him alone.

Following his loss, Nadal took on the role of cheerleader for his successor, Carlos Alcaraz, who leveled the tie for Spain by defeating Tallon Griekspoor 7-6 (0), 6-3 in the second singles match. However, the Dutch clinched victory when van de Zandschulp and Wesley Koolhof triumphed over Alcaraz and Marcel Granollers in the deciding doubles match 7-6 (4), 7-6 (3).

Even if Spain had advanced to the semifinals, Nadal humbly stated that he wouldn’t have picked himself to play again. Reflecting on his performance, he quipped, “I lost my first match in Davis Cup, and I lost my last one. So, we close the circle.”

As the match ended, a forehand hit the net, and Nadal walked to the net to shake hands with van de Zandschulp. The Dutchman, who had idolized Nadal growing up, called the match “tough, tough” to play.

Despite his loss, Nadal’s legacy remained undeniable. His trademark white headband, red bull logo, and precise rituals — like carefully placing water bottles on the sideline — were all part of the Nadal many remembered. He still showcased flashes of brilliance with well-placed aces, serve-and-volley tactics, and his signature “Vamos!” — though the effects of age and injury were evident.

Nadal’s physical struggles, including a hip surgery in 2023 and recurring abdominal issues, had limited him to just 24 matches over the past two years. He finished 2024 with a 12-8 singles record. His match against van de Zandschulp was his first since early August at the Paris Olympics.

The day was filled with tributes to Nadal, especially from Spanish captain David Ferrer, who said, “You know very well what you have meant to the tennis world. We will miss you a lot.”

For many in the crowd, Nadal was more than a tennis icon — he was a hero. His relentless play on the court and his humility off it had earned him the admiration of millions, especially in Spain. Fans shouted his name and cheered for him long after the final point, making it clear how much they cherished his legacy.

Luis Julve, a 19-year-old college student who traveled from Madrid with his family, summed it up: “When we heard Rafa was retiring, this became something special — a chance to see the greatest sportsman in the country’s history.”

When the ceremony ended and the final chapter of his career was written, Nadal hugged his teammates and waved goodbye to his fans one last time.

“Honestly, I feel super privileged to have made a career out of my hobby, and to have played for far longer than I ever imagined,” Nadal reflected. “The truth is that nobody ever wants to arrive at this moment, but it’s my body that doesn’t want to play anymore. So I have to accept it.”

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