Rafael Nadal said goodbye to tennis after losing in the Davis Cup. He thanked his team and fans in an emotional tribute, with messages from sports stars such as Federer, Djokovic, Serena Williams and Spanish icons.
A cycle in tennis came to an end
Yesterday, the historic Rafael Nadal ended his career in the sport of racquetball after falling in the quarterfinals of the Davis Cup against the Dutch Botic van de Zandschulp by a double 6-4. This result meant the elimination of Spain from the competition, after losing the series 2-1.
However, the result was the least important thing. All the spectators, players and TV viewers who followed this match were there only to witness Nadal’s last moments on the court.
The Spanish multi-champion pleased the audience present and, after the match ended, he took the microphone to thank his fans for supporting him, motivating him and helping him to improve himself during his 20-year career. He also expressed his gratitude to everyone, especially the Spanish team, for allowing him to play his last match as a professional.
Nadal is honored with a touching video
Words were not enough to recognize Rafa’s career. The tournament organizers paid tribute to the winner of 92 titles with an emotional video that compiled his best moments with the racquet.
In the video, other world-class stars such as Serena Williams, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer himself -with whom Nadal starred in one of the greatest rivalries of the sport in the first decades of the 21st century-, dedicated messages of gratitude and recognition for his outstanding career.
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In addition, Spanish sports figures such as Iker Casillas, Raúl González, Andrés Iniesta and the current Ballon d’Or, Rodri, also dedicated a few words to him, praising his achievements and his impact on the national sport. Another sportsman who congratulated Nadal was David Beckham.
Cover photo: X (@CopaDavis)