Rafael Nadal announced his retirement from professional tennis on Tuesday during the Davis Cup, reflecting on the lasting impact he believes he has made both in sports and on a personal level. The 38-year-old was defeated in the opening singles match of the quarter-finals as the Netherlands triumphed over Spain 2-1, advancing to the final four. Known for his remarkable career, which includes 22 Grand Slam titles, Nadal expressed pride in his achievements over the past 23 years.
At a ceremony in Malaga honoring his career, Nadal stated, “I leave with the peace of mind that I have left a legacy, which I really feel is not just a sporting one but a personal one.” He emphasized that the affection he has received transcends his on-court success: “I understand that the love I have received, if it was just for what happened on the court, would not be the same.”
Nadal acknowledged the support from many who contributed to his journey, particularly his uncle Toni Nadal, who coached him from a young age. “The titles, the numbers are there… but the way that I would like to be remembered more is like a good person, from a small village in Mallorca,” he said.
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Nadal reminisced about his fortunate upbringing: “I had the luck that I had my uncle that was a tennis coach in my village when I was a very, very small kid, and a great family that supports me in every moment.” He added, “I just want to be remembered as a good person, a kid that followed their dreams and achieved (even) more than what I had dreamed.”
The retirement ceremony featured a video montage celebrating Nadal’s illustrious career, shown on screens around the Martin Carpena arena in Malaga, which attracted over 10,000 fans. Among the well-wishers were former rivals Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, and Serena Williams, along with Spanish football stars Raul and Andres Iniesta, who also recently retired.
In his emotional farewell, Nadal reflected on his journey, saying, “I leave the world of professional tennis having encountered many good friends along the way.” He also voiced his aspirations to serve as a “good ambassador” for the sport, feeling ready to embrace this new chapter of his life: “I am calm because I have received an education to take on what is coming next,” he explained, expressing gratitude for the support of his family.
In the match that marked his final appearance, Nadal was beaten by Botic van de Zandschulp, 6-4, 6-4, while teammate Carlos Alcaraz later defeated Tallon Griekspoor. Ultimately, Van de Zandschulp and Wesley Koolhof wrapped up the match with a 7-6 (7/4), 7-6 (7/3) win in doubles, marking the end of Nadal’s remarkable tennis career.
Carlos Alcaraz, currently ranked world number three and considered one of the sport’s rising stars, acknowledged Nadal’s influence, stating, “His legacy is going to be eternal.”
Rafael Nadal has had a profound impact on tennis and the sport as a whole. Following his final match, many expressed their difficulty in envisioning how to carry on his legacy.
“It’s challenging, even nearly impossible; I’ll simply strive to do my best. For now, it’s time to celebrate Rafa,” said Carlos Alcaraz, who acknowledged the significance of Nadal’s contributions both to tennis and to his personal life.
In his concluding match, Nadal fought valiantly before a passionate home crowd but ultimately fell short. Alcaraz added, “He poured all of his energy into that match… It’s heartbreaking to see him step away, but we must accept it.”
David Ferrer, Spain’s Davis Cup captain, also shared his admiration for Nadal. “There are individuals who will be remembered for their achievements during their lives, some until their last days, and then there are those who will be remembered forever. Rafa will be one of those.”
In a heartfelt speech, Nadal expressed gratitude not only to fans in Spain but also to his global admirers. Tribute was paid in Paris, where he secured an unprecedented 14 French Open titles and earned the title ‘King of Clay’, with his image illuminated against the night sky at the Eiffel Tower.
