Davis Cup: Retirement time has come for Rafael Nadal

Two years after Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal became this Wednesday in Malaga the second member of the “Big 3” of tennis to put away his rackets for good, “serene” after a final defeat in the quarter-finals of the Davis Cup against the Countries -Down.

“It didn’t end as we all would have liked,” namely with Spain qualifying, regretted the hero of the day during a tribute ceremony which began with a litany of thanks. But “I feel so lucky,” said a initially smiling Nadal in a standing room cheering him on, including in the stands reserved for Dutch spectators.

His voice broke with emotion as he thanked his family, who played an essential role in his career, particularly his uncle and long-term coach Toni Nadal. “You never failed me, you made sure that I kept my feet on the ground, I left with peace of mind,” said the left-hander.

“You were our example”

Nadal then received congratulations from the elite of tennis and world sport by video: Serena Williams, Andres Iniesta, Roger FedererDavid Beckham, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray…

“You were our example,” complimented Spain captain David Ferrer. “We would all have liked to never arrive at the moment when Rafa would retire,” added Marcel Granollers, Nadal’s long-time teammate under the Spanish colors.

Surprising Netherlands

However, the best things come to an end. After 23 years on the circuit and almost as many Grand Slam titles (22), it was the Netherlands and their surprising No. 2 Botic van de Zandschulp who pushed Nadal towards the exit at 38 years old.

In the first singles of the day, the Majorcan left-hander lost in two sets against the 80th player in the world, winner 6-4, 6-4. Often presented as the heir to the left-handed Manacor, Carlos Alcaraz, world No.3, then tied the two teams by defeating Tallon Griekspoor (40th) 7-6 (7/0), 6-3.

But the decisive doubles, won 7-6 (7/4), 7-6 (7/3) by van de Zandschulp associated with specialist Wesley Koolhof, was fatal to Spain, six-time winner of the Davis Cup.

“The circle is closed”

“Of course we are disappointed, but I am proud of my players,” said Ferrer in the heart of the Andalusian night. “The most important thing is that Nadal leaves happy, serene and proud.”

The Netherlands reached the second Davis Cup semi-final in their history, after that of 2001. “Ultimately, it came down to a few points in the tie-break,” analyzed Dutch captain Paul Haarhuis in a conference press.

“I lost my first Davis Cup match” in 2004, “I just lost my last match. The circle is complete,” said Nadal, whose career has been punctuated by countless injuries, between almost miraculous returns to the forefront.

No match since the Olympics

The eternal rival of the Swiss Roger Federer (20 Grand Slam titles) and the Serbian Novak Djokovic (24 titles) – now the only member of the trio of tennis titans still active – had not played an official match since his defeat on July 31 in the quarter-finals of the Olympic tournament.

On Tuesday, spectators were already present in large numbers around the Malaga Sports Palace well before the start of the match. Coming from Elche (southeast of Spain), Miquel Zapata Diez and Sergio Medina were convinced: “Rafa” was going to play and Spain would win.

“Forever. Rafa Nadal!”

Of Spain’s six coronations, the Majorcan has participated in five victorious campaigns (2004, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2019) but having not played in the final in 2008, he only has four Saladiers d’Or to his name. money. But more than for “the titles” or “the statistics”, Rafa hopes to be remembered as “a good person from a small village”.

For former world No.1 and Australian captain Lleyton Hewitt, Nadal was “one of the greatest players of all time”. Or as the speaker expressed it in a final cry from the heart: “Forever. Rafa Nadal!”

AFP

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