Tears flowed at the Palacio de Deportes Martín Carpena in Malaga, where Rafael Nadal played the last match of his career in the Davis Cup quarter-final against the Netherlands. A bitter taste defeat for Spain, but also an emotional moment for the fans who came to greet one of the greatest champions in the history of Tennis.
“It was a lot of emotion, especially during the farewells and the final speech,” confides Antoine Gruson, a Belgian spectator. “My mother cried, and I had red eyes too. For Rafa, it was really very strong. »
On the side of the Spanish supporters, feelings were mixed. “ We wanted Spain to win, but witnessing this unique moment, the farewell of an idol like Rafa, is unforgettable,” explains Txema Lopez. For him, Nadal remains “an icon, influential on a sporting and personal level, and he will always remain linked to the world of sport. »
Even Dutch supporters, delighted to see their team advance, welcomed the departure of a monument. “It’s a shame that he’s stopping, but it’s a good thing for him to take time for his family », Estimates Tina De Bruin.
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Second member of the “Big 3” to bow out after Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal leaves the courts “serene”, but leaves a huge void. His mark will remain engraved forever.
