By Thomas Martin | Editor
A great sports fan, he likes to know what is hidden in the lives of athletes, but does not neglect film or singing stars. After a long journey in the Canadian far north, he returned more determined than ever to see what was going on among the people of France and elsewhere.
Rafael Nadal played his very last career match this Tuesday, November 19 during the Davis Cup, organized at his home in Malaga. For the occasion, the tennis legend was lucky enough to have his loved ones, his wife Xisca and his son by his side for this moving moment.
In tears, Rafael Nadal ends his career surrounded by his wife, his son and his loved ones
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It's the end of an era. This Tuesday evening in Malaga, only a few weeks after the terrible floods which hit Spain, the country experienced a new shock. Rafael Nadal made the announcement that everyone feared a little over a month ago by revealing that he would play his very last career competition this week, during the final phase of the Davis Cup. “The reality is that the last few years have been difficult, especially the last two. I don't think I'm capable of playing without limits. It's obviously a difficult decision that took me time. But, in this life, “Everything has a beginning and an end and I think it's the right time to end a career that has been long and more successful than I ever imagined.” explained on his social networks the one who was seen cuddling with his son Rafael Junior backstage at Roland-Garros during the Paris Olympics.
A last one that everyone hoped would be victorious for the legend of world tennis, who at 38 years old, has won everything in his career: 22 Grand Slam titles, two Olympic gold medals and 5 Davis Cups. Unfortunately, Spain hit a wall in the quarter-final against the Netherlands. Roger Federer's great friend, who sent him a very nice message before the latter, did not manage to beat Botic Van De Zandschulp and if Carlos Alcaraz defeated his opponent of the day, the decisive double went to the Dutch. A defeat which definitively marks the end of the career of Rafael Nadal, considered the best clay court player in history.
Xisca Perello with Rafael Junior in the stands
For this announced retirement, Novak Djokovic's great rival was able to count on the support of an entire country and an entire audience committed to his cause. His wife, Xisca Perello, with whom he had an ultra-secure marriage in 2019, was obviously present in the stands with their son, Rafael Junior (born October 8, 2022) on his knees (the photos can be found in the slideshow). The Mallorcan's sister, Maria Isabel Nadal was also there, as were his parents, Sebastian Nadal and Ana Maria Parera. A presence which inevitably moved the Spaniard, who was very touched during the tributes paid to him.
“All my life I have strived to be better and achieve my goals. I have tried to do it with respect and humility. I tried to be a good personI hope you saw it that way. I leave with the peace of mind of having left a legacy, sporting but also personal.”declared the tennis player who made a moving speech to his wife and son during the last Roland-Garros, before talking about his loved ones: “Thanks to my family who have always been there for me. When things seemed impossible, when things were going well. She allowed me to keep my feet on the ground (…) I would like to be remembered as a good person, a boy who followed his dreams, who worked the hardest possible to be who I am today.”
