Spain’s Rafael Nadal reacts throughout a tribute to his profession after The Netherlands eradicated Spain in Davis Cup quarterfinal in Malaga on November 20, 2024. — Reuters
Rafael Nadal bought emotional whereas receiving an impassioned farewell from his followers in a packed enviornment in Malaga on Tuesday, following Spain’s 2-1 defeat to the Netherlands within the Davis Cup.
The match marked the 38-year-old’s closing skilled look, bringing an finish to his illustrious profession.
Nadal, overwhelmed with feelings, delivered a transferring 15-minute speech at a sold-out Malaga venue.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion struggled to carry again tears as he recalled his journey.
“What I have tried to do is to be a good person, and I hope you’ve seen that,” Nadal advised the gang.
“I leave the tennis world having met so many friends along the way. I have so many people to thank. I leave with the peace of mind of having left a sporting and personal legacy I can be proud about.
“Thanks to all of you, the public. It’s over 20 years (career), good years, bad years. I have been able to live with all of you. I have felt very fortunate to feel so much affection from all over the world, especially here in Spain.”
Earlier, Nadal’s singles match resulted in a 6-4, 6-4 loss to Botic van de Zandschulp, breaking his 29-match Davis Cup singles successful streak. Regardless of Carlos Alcaraz’s victory over Tallon Griekspoor, Spain’s hopes ended when Marcel Granollers and Alcaraz had been defeated within the deciding doubles match.
Nadal, who introduced his retirement final month, admitted his farewell didn’t unfold as he had hoped.
“It’s obvious that it didn’t turn out the way we wanted it to. I have given what I had. I want to thank you for allowing me the opportunity to spend these last days as a professional team player,” Nadal mentioned.
“My body has told me it doesn’t want to play tennis anymore and I have to accept that. I am privileged. I have been able to make my hobbies my profession. I am fortunate.
“My family, my team, my friends. I am a person who believes in continuity, I believe in keeping the people you love and who make your life better. I have kept my family close. Without you this would not have been possible.”
As Spain’s Davis Cup captain David Ferrer confronted criticism for together with Nadal, the Netherlands superior to face the winner of the Canada-Germany tie within the semi-finals.
