Last Updated:
Rafael Nadal soaked up the atmosphere as the crowd gave him standing ovation after tennis legend’s final match of what was a legendary career.
Rafael Nadal got emotional during the final competition of his career. (AP Photo)
Rafael Nadal struggled to hold back tears as the crowd rose one last time for a standing ovation to give the tennis legend an emotional send-off. Nadal has bid goodbye to professional tennis having played his final match of playing career during Spain’s 1-2 defeat to the Netherlands in the Davis Cup quarter-finals on Tuesday.
Nadal, standing all by himself on the court, soaked up the atmosphere as the 10,000 strong crowd that also included his family and friends who gathered at the Martin Carpena arena in Malaga to witness him work his magic one last time.
However, Nadal struggled to keep his composure and overwhelmed by the occasion, he broke in tears as he had multiple times during an emotional final competition of his storied career.
Nadal, winner of 22 Grand Slam titles, suffered defeat in the final match of his career, losing 4-6, 4-6 to Botic van de Zandschulp of the Netherlands in the opening singles clash.
Carlos Alcaraz then won his singles match against Tallon Griekspoor 7-6, 6-3 to force a decider. However, Van de Zandschulp combined with Wesley Koolhof to defeat the pair of Alcaraz and Marcel Granollers 7-6, 7-6 to give the Netherlands 2-1 win.
Nadal got emotional during Spain’s national anthem as the arena rang with the chants of “Rafa, Rafa”.
“I was having an emotional day, nerves before what could be my last singles match as a professional,” said Nadal. “The emotions hearing the national anthem for the last time as a professional were very special.”
The 38-year-old Nadal made his Davis Cup debut in 2004. Prior to this match, he had won 29 of his 30 matches played in the competition.
“In the beginning I think we were both nervous… the crowd was tough, understandably,” said Van de Zandschulp. “That is what it is to play against Rafa in Spain — he is probably the biggest sportsman here in Spain that ever lived.”
Nadal’s great rivals Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray besides tennis legend Serena Williams and other greats left messages in a video montage that was played at the arena.
“I leave the world of professional tennis having encountered many good friends along the way,” said Nadal.