Tennis: Overwhelmed by emotion, Nadal fell for his last match

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

“It didn’t end as we all would have liked”, namely with a qualification for Spain, 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 Rafael 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. 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 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.

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.” The Netherlands reached the second Davis Cup semi-final in their history, after that of 2001.

“In the end, it came down to a few points in the tie-break,” analyzed Dutch captain Paul Haarhuis at a press conference.

“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.

The eternal rival of Roger Federer (20 Grand Slam titles) and 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.

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