Nadal then received congratulations from the elite of tennis and world sport via video: Serena Williams, Andres Iniesta, Roger Federer, David Beckham, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray… “You were our example”complimented Spain captain David Ferrer. “We all wish we never got to the moment when Rafa retired.”added Marcel Granollers, Nadal’s long-time teammate in Spanish colors.
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.
“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.”.
“I lost my first Davis Cup match” in 2004, “I just lost my last match. The circle is closed”for his part judged Nadal, whose career has been punctuated by countless injuries, between almost miraculous returns to the forefront.
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.
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 “titles” or “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!”
With Thierry Van Cleemput, Olivier Rochus and David Goffin beat Rafael Nadal: “An incomparable ball, hell, a nightmare”
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