Retiring Rafael Nadal’s career ends as Spain is ousted at Davis Cup

his determination and fighting spirit, but unfortunately it wasn’t the dream ending that fans had hoped for,” said one spectator at the Davis Cup.

Despite the loss, Nadal’s impact on the sport and his personal character were celebrated during a ceremony honoring his retirement. Many tennis greats, including Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, as well as former Spanish football stars, paid tribute to Nadal in video messages.

Nadal expressed gratitude for the support he received throughout his career, especially from his family and uncle Toni Nadal, who coached him from a young age. He emphasized that his legacy goes beyond his numerous titles and records, hoping to be remembered as a good person who followed his dreams and inspired others to do the same.

As he transitions into retirement, Nadal expressed confidence in his future endeavors and his ability to be a positive ambassador for tennis. Despite the emotional farewell, he remains calm and grateful for the education and support he has received.

The final match of Nadal’s career ended in a doubles defeat against The Netherlands, with young talent Carlos Alcaraz acknowledging the challenge of following in Nadal’s footsteps. Nadal’s legacy, both on and off the court, is described as eternal and impactful, leaving a lasting impression on the sport and those who have been inspired by his career. Bu içerikte, içerik açıklaması oluşturulması gerekmektedir. İçerikte hangi konuların ele alındığı, hangi bilgilerin paylaşıldığı ve hangi amaçla yazıldığı gibi detaylar açıklanmalıdır. Bu şekilde içeriğin ne hakkında olduğu okuyuculara daha açık bir şekilde anlatılabilir.
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Kaynak: www.aljazeera.com

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

The 38-year-old was beaten on Tuesday in the opening singles rubber of the quarterfinals as The Netherlands defeated Spain 2-1 to reach the final four.

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

“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,” Nadal told fans in Malaga in a speech during a ceremony to honour his retirement.

“I understand that the love I have received, if it was just for what happened on the court, would not be the same.”

Nadal paid credit to many who have 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 people probably know that, but the way that I would like to be remembered more is like a good person, from a small village in Mallorca,” continued Nadal.

“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…

“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.”

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

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

“I leave the world of professional tennis having encountered 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 years to come and was not afraid to begin his retirement.

“I am calm because I have received an education to take on what is coming next,” he explained.

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

Tennis player shakes hands at end of match. — Spain’s Rafael Nadal greets Netherlands’ Botic van de Zandschulp at the end of their quarterfinal singles match between Netherlands and Spain. The contest was the final match of Nadal’s career before retirement [Jorge Guerrero/AFP]

Not the dream ending fans hoped for

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

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

World number three Alcaraz, 21, is one of the game’s brightest talents and a player some hope can become Nadal’s heir.

“His legacy is going to be eternal,” Alcaraz told reporters.

“He has been great for tennis, for the sport in general, it is difficult – at least for me – to feel that I should continue the legacy that he has left.

“It is difficult, almost impossible, I will just try to do my best, right now it’s time to say great things about Rafa…

“It is just great to have had Rafa in tennis, in Spain and in my life.”

Nadal fought hard in his final match in front of huge home support but ultimately came up short.

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

Spain’s Davis Cup captain David Ferrer also paid tribute to Nadal.

“There are people who will be remembered for their achievements in life, others until the end of their days, and others eternally,” said Ferrer.

“You will be remembered eternally.”

Nadal thanked fans in Spain in his speech but also around the rest of the world where he found many admirers.

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

“I am crying as we speak… Rafael Nadal… What an absolute icon of sport period! There will never be another one like Rafa!” wrote former world number one Boris Becker on social media platform X.