Source: CNN
Rafael Nadal’s remarkable 23-year career came to an end after Spain was eliminated by the Netherlands in the Davis Cup quarterfinals on Tuesday.
In emotional scenes, Nadal - playing in his final professional tennis event - watched with tears in his eyes while other tennis greats, including Roger Federer, lauded the Spanish great in a retirement ceremony.
Earlier in the day, Nadal lost to Botic van de Zandschulp.
The Málaga, Spain, crowd tried to will the 22-time grand slam singles champion to victory, but van de Zandschulp prevailed, 6-4, 6-4.
Nadal’s all-time singles record at the Davis Cup stands at 29-2. His only other loss came against Czech Jiri Novak in 2004.
“I lost my first match in the Davis Cup, and I lost my last one. So we close the circle,” Nadal said to reporters.
Spanish teammate Carlos Alcaraz’s beat Tallon Griekspoor in the second singles match of the day to force a decisive doubles tilt.
The Dutch duo Wesley Koolhof and van de Zandschulp defeated Alcaraz and Marcel Granollers 7-6 (4), 7-6 (3) to take the tie 2-1 and advance to the tournament semifinals.
Emotions were running high before a ball was hit Tuesday.
The Málaga crowd roared for the 38-year-old Nadal, playing in his first competitive match in over three months when he was introduced with Team Spain.
As the television broadcast panned the crowd, it showed some spectators who appeared to already be in tears.
Nadal, too, had tears in his eyes as the Spanish national anthem played, and the crowd chanted “Rafa!” after the anthem.
Nadal showed what fans have seen his entire career. He unleashed his classic fist pumps – and showed his signature mental fortitude in never giving up until the final point despite being down.
Meanwhile, the Dutchman held his nerve. Van de Zandschulp already had experience in getting the best of a Spaniard on a hard court this year, having upset Alcaraz in straight sets in the second round of the US Open.
After match point, Nadal received a standing ovation from the crowd as he waved, blew kisses, and clapped to all who showed their admiration for the Spanish hero.
“The crowd was tough, of course. Understandable,” van de Zandschulp said. “That’s what it is to play here in Spain against Rafa. I think he’s the biggest sportsman here in Spain that ever lived. It was a really special event.”
Following the Dutch upset, organizers held a short ceremony for the 38-year-old.
Standing at center court, Nadal addressed his fans and acknowledged the team who supported him over the years.
“A lot of people worked hard. A lot of people tried their best every single day,” he said.
“I have been very lucky, that the life gave me the opportunity to live unforgettable experiences because of tennis.
“I just want to be remembered as a good person and a kid that followed their dreams and achieved more than what I’ve ever dreamed.”