BY OSABUOHIEN VIVIAN ROSE
It was a grand ending to Rafael Nadal’s successful career although Spain lost their Davis Cup quarter-final tie to the Netherlands in Malaga. Nadal ended his professional career with a loss but showed a glimpse of his fighting spirit. Spain lost the tie 1-2 to Netherlands.
Speaking to the fans after the match, Nadal said, The titles, the numbers they’re there, and people probably know that. What I’d like to be remembered for more is as a good person from a small village in Mallorca,”
“I leave with the peace of mind that I have left a legacy, which I really feel is not just a sporting one but a personal one. I understand that the love I have received, if it was just for what happened on the court, would not be the same.”
“Thanks to all of you, the public. It’s over 20 years (career), good years, bad years. I have been able to live with all of you. I have felt very fortunate to feel so much affection from all over the world, especially here in Spain. I just want to be remembered as a good person, a kid that followed their dreams and achieved (even) more than what I had dreamed.”
Rafael Nadal’s ends career with loss
Filled with emotions, Rafa could be seen wiping away tears during the Spanish national anthem. Once the match began, the former world no 1 played his best, but wasn’t enough as he was defeated by World No. 80 Botic van de Zandschulp in straight sets, 4-6, 4-6. He had announced his retirement last month and was a surprise pick for Spain’s opening singles match in their Davis Cup quarter-final against the Netherlands.
The 38-year-old lost 6-4 6-4 to Botic van de Zandschulp and Spain eventually fell 2-1 to exit the team tournament in Malaga.
This was his first professional match since the Olympics in August.
During a special ceremony, Nadal reflected on his career stating “A lot of people work hard. A lot of people try their best every single day. I’ve been very lucky. I just want to be remembered as a good person and as a kid who followed his dream and achieved more than I ever dreamed of.”
Rafael Nadal had a remarkable career.
The 38-year-old ended his career with 22 Grand Slam men’s singles titles, which include 14 French Open crowns, four US Open titles and two Australian Open titles. Nadal achieved the Career Grand Slam by the age of 24, becoming the youngest man in the Open Era to do so, and later completed the double Career Grand Slam in singles. At Roland Garros he finished his career with a perfect 14-0 record in finals and a staggering 112-4 overall record, finalizing his legacy as the King of Clay.
Meanwhile, tributes have poured out on his retirement.
Serena Williams said it had been an honour to witness Rafael Nadal‘s tennis journey and that he would leave the game a “lasting legacy” following the Spaniard’s defeat in the final match of his glorious career.
“Congratulations on a career that most won’t dare to dream of,” Williams said on Instagram alongside a video of her wearing Nadal-branded merchandise.
“I feel so fortunate to have been able to play when you were playing and being great. You inspired me to be better, to play harder, to fight, to never give up, and to win more. No excuses, just play the sport.
“You legacy will never die. Wow to see your career from the beginning to today was an honour champ! Long live Rafa!”
Nadal‘s Davis Cup teammate Carlos Alcaraz said Nadal had been his inspiration.
“Thanks to you I have become a professional tennis player,” Alcaraz added.
“It has been a blessing to be able to live your career as a child for whom you were an idol and then as a teammate! The best possible ambassador who leaves an eternal legacy.”
World number two Iga Swiatek reacted to a video of the Spaniard tearing up with a crying emoji and said: “Too much”, while American Coco Gauff added: “Today, I’m from Spain #Rafa.”
Australian tennis great Rod Laver said that watching Nadal compete had been a privilege.
“Your legacy will endure as one of the greatest to ever grace the game,” Laver said.
“Thank you for the countless unforgettable moments and for setting a standard of excellence that will inspire generations to come.”
German Boris Becker, a six-time grand slam champion, said he was crying as he typed out his message on social media.
“What an absolute icon of sport, period! There will never be another one like Rafa! Role model for so many kids all around the world!”
