Rafael Nadal’s retiring career comes to an end as Spain are knocked out of the Davis Cup | Sports News

Rafael Nadal said he left behind a sporting and personal legacy after retiring from professional tennis at the Davis Cup.

The 38-year-old was knocked out on Tuesday in the first leg of the quarter-final as the Netherlands beat Spain 2-1 to reach the final four.

Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam winner, enjoyed a glorious and historic career over the past 23 years.

“I leave with peace of mind to leave a legacy, which I feel is not just for the game but for a personal one,” Nadal told Malaga fans in his retirement speech.

“I understand that the love I received, if it was because of what happened in court, it would not be the same.”

Nadal paid a debt of gratitude to many who helped him along the way, including his uncle Toni Nadal, who coached him as a child and for a large part of his career.

“The titles, the numbers are there, so maybe people know that, but the way I would like to be remembered is as a good person, from a small town in Mallorca,” continued Nadal.

“I was lucky enough to have an uncle who was a tennis coach in my area when I was very young, and a great family who supported me all the time…

“I want to be remembered as a good person, a child who followed his dreams and achieved (even) more than I dreamed.”

Nadal was celebrated with a video montage on multiple screens around the Martin Carpena arena in Malaga where more than 10,000 fans saw his career end.

Former rival Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, Serena Williams and other tennis stars left video messages, along with Spanish soccer stars including Raul and Andres Iniesta, who retired from playing in October.

“I am leaving the world of professional tennis having met many good friends along the way,” said Nadal in his emotional speech.

The Spaniard said he hoped to be a “good ambassador” for tennis in the coming years and was not afraid to start his retirement.

“I am calm because I have received education to face the next,” he explained.

“I have a wonderful family around me who help me with everything I need every day.”

It’s not the end of the dream that the fans were hoping for

After Nadal lost to Botic van de Zandschulp 6-4, 6-4, Carlos Alcaraz beat Tallon Griekspoor 7-6 (7/0), 6-3 to force a doubleheader.

Van de Zandschulp and Wesley Koolhof secured a 7-6 (7/4), 7-6 (7/3) victory over Alcaraz and Marcel Granollers to bring down the curtain on Nadal’s career.

World No. 3 Alcaraz, 21, is one of the game’s brightest talents and one of Nadal’s hopeful successors.

“His legacy will be eternal,” Alcaraz told reporters.

“He was a tennis player, in sports in general, it is difficult – at least for me – to feel that I have to continue the legacy he left behind.

“It’s difficult, almost impossible, I’ll try to do my best, now it’s time to say good things about Rafa…

“It’s great to have Rafa in tennis, in Spain and in my life.”

Nadal fought hard in his last match in front of many home fans but ended up falling short.

“He gave everything he had in the tank, all his energy… it’s sad to see him go but we have to accept it,” added Alcaraz.

Spanish Davis Cup captain David Ferrer also paid tribute to Nadal.

“There are people who will be remembered for their success in life, some until the end of their days, some forever,” said Ferrer.

“He will be missed forever.”

Nadal thanked the Spanish fans in his speech but also in the whole world where he found many fans.

In Paris, where he won a record 14 French Open titles and earned the nickname “King of Clay”, his image was displayed in the night sky in front of the Eiffel Tower.

“I’m crying as we speak… Rafael Nadal… What a perfect symbol of a sporting era! There will never be another like Rafa!” wrote former world number 1 Boris Becker on the X social media platform.