MALAGA, Spain – Rafael Nadal’s illustrious tennis career came to an emotional end on Tuesday as he faced off against Botic van de Zandschulp of the Netherlands in what turned out to be his final professional match.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion, 38, struggled in a 6-4, 6-4 defeat, as Spain was eliminated from the Davis Cup quarterfinals after van de Zandschulp and Wesley Koolhof secured a deciding doubles victory.
Before the match, Nadal, according to the Associated Press stood alongside his teammates during Spain’s national anthem, visibly emotional as he prepared for what would likely be his last appearance on the court. His eyes welled up with tears as the crowd chanted his name, a farewell that grew increasingly poignant as the match unfolded.
After the loss, during an on-court ceremony to honour him, Nadal could hardly contain his emotions. As a video montage played highlights from his remarkable career, and tributes poured in from tennis legends like Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Serena Williams, the Spaniard fought back tears. “The titles, the numbers, are there, so people probably know that, but the way I would like to be remembered is as a good person from a small village in Mallorca,” Nadal told the cheering crowd at the packed Palacio de Deportes Jose Maria Martin Carpena. “Just a kid that followed their dreams worked as hard as possible. … I have been very lucky.”
Nadal had announced his retirement plans earlier, revealing that the Davis Cup would be his final tournament. Despite his inner turmoil, he pushed through, focusing on securing one last trophy for Spain, though he admitted afterwards that managing his emotions during the match was difficult.
After his defeat, Nadal turned into a cheerleader for Spain’s rising star, Carlos Alcaraz, who levelled the score against the Netherlands with a dominant 7-6 (0), 6-3 win. However, Spain’s hopes were dashed when van de Zandschulp and Koolhof clinched victory in a tense doubles match, sealing Spain’s exit from the competition.
Despite the loss, Nadal found solace in humour, acknowledging that his career had come full circle. “I lost my first match in the Davis Cup, and I lost my last one,” he said with a smile. “So we close the circle.”
Known for his tenacity, Nadal showcased flashes of his legendary play — a powerful serve, some brilliant volleys, and his iconic “Vamos!” — but his ageing body, weighed down by ongoing hip and abdominal injuries, prevented him from playing at his best. The loss marked the end of his 29-match Davis Cup singles winning streak, with his only other defeat coming in his debut in 2004.
After the match, van de Zandschulp, who idolized Nadal growing up, expressed his admiration: “That was a tough, tough match to play,” he said. “Rafa has meant so much to tennis.”
Nadal’s farewell was bittersweet, as fans and teammates alike paid tribute to a national hero who transcended sport. The sold-out arena, filled with Nadal’s supporters waving flags and chanting his name, reflected the deep affection Spaniards have for the tennis icon.
“Rafa’s retirement is something special — a chance to see the greatest sportsman in the country’s history,” said Luis Julve, a 19-year-old student from Madrid who attended the match with his family.
As the evening drew to a close, Nadal waved goodbye to the fans, acknowledging his career with gratitude and humility. “The truth is that nobody ever wants to arrive at this moment,” he said. “I’m not tired of playing tennis, but it’s my body that doesn’t want to play anymore. Honestly, I feel super privileged for having been able to make a career out of my hobby, and for having played for much longer than I could ever have imagined.”
Nadal’s retirement marks the end of an era in tennis, but his legacy as one of the greatest players of all time is assured.