Spaniard Nadal retires from tennis after 22 major titles sports

The curtain fell on the legendary career of Spanish star Rafael Nadal on Tuesday, after the Dutch team eliminated its Spanish counterpart in the Davis Cup tennis quarter-finals.

The 38-year-old “Matador”, who has won 22 major titles, lost in the first match in the singles competition to Boutique Van de Zandskhulp 4-6 and 4-6.

But Carlos Alcaraz, ranked third in the world, extended his compatriot’s retirement date by winning the second singles match over Talon Grekspoor 7-6 (7-0) and 6-3, forcing a decisive doubles match in which the Dutch team won.

The duo, Van de Zandschulp and Wesley Kohlhoff, won 7-6 (7-4) and 7-6 (7-3), setting up a semi-final match with Canada or Germany.

After years in which Nadal suffered from injuries and not playing any official singles match since July, there were doubts surrounding his participation in the match, but they were dispelled when captain David Ferrer confirmed that he would play the first match in the opening match.

She left a legacy

Nadal told fans in Malaga during a ceremony honoring him on the occasion of his retirement, “I leave feeling at peace, because I left a legacy. I really feel that it is not only an athlete’s but also a personal one.”

He added, “I think that the love I received, if it had only been for what happened on the field, would not have been as great.”

Nadal thanked many of those who helped him on his journey, including his uncle, Toni Nadal, who coached him since his childhood and for a large part of his career.

The current number 154 added: “The titles and numbers exist and everyone knows them, but the way I would like to be remembered more is as a good person, from a small village in Mallorca.”

He continued, “I was fortunate to have my uncle as a tennis coach in my village when I was a very young child, and a wonderful family that supported me every moment. I just want to be remembered as a good person, a child who followed his dreams and achieved more than he ever dreamed of.”

Honor

Nadal was honored with a video shown on the screens of the Martin Carpina Stadium.

The video included messages from major stars such as Swiss Roger Federer, Serbian Novak Djokovic, British Andy Murray, and American Serena Williams, along with retired Spanish football players Raul Gonzalez and Andres Iniesta.

The legend expressed his hope that he will be a “good ambassador” for tennis in the future, stressing that he does not fear the next stage of his life.

He explained, “I am reassured because I received the education that prepares me to accept what is coming. I have a wonderful family that supports me in everything I need on a daily basis. I am leaving the world of professional tennis after making many good friends along the way.”

An eternal legacy

Nadal’s picture was displayed in the sky of Paris in front of the Eiffel Tower, and Nadal appeared emotional while playing the Spanish national anthem before his match, while the fans, in the presence of more than 10,000 people, chanted “Rafa, Rafa” when the anthem ended.

He talked about his feelings, saying, “I went through an emotional day, and I felt nervous before what might be my last singles match as a professional. The feelings that came over me when I heard the national anthem for the last time as a professional were very special, and the mixed feelings make things a little more difficult.”

Nadal had won his last 29 matches in the Davis Cup out of 30 matches he played, after his first participation in the competition in 2004, noting that he had previously won the previous two matches against the Dutchman.

Alcaraz kept Spain’s dreams alive and extended Nadal’s retirement date for a short time when he defeated Grixpor before the doubles match.

The 21-year-old, who follows in his compatriot’s footsteps and played alongside him in the doubles competitions at the Olympic Games in Paris last summer, said, “I watched Nadal’s entire match, and I had the opportunity to watch the first set here live.”

He added, “I tried to give my best to give Spain the best chance to qualify and win. I did it for Rafa.”

Also about Nadal, he said, “His legacy will remain eternal. He was great for tennis and for sports in general.”

He continued, “For me, it is difficult to feel that I have to continue his legacy. It is difficult, almost impossible.”

The Spaniard won 14 French Open titles and gained the title of “King of Clay Courts.”

Retired German star and former number one Boris Becker commented on the “X” platform, “I am crying now…Rafael Nadal…what an absolute symbol of sports! There will never be another like him!”