Rafael Nadal's glittering tennis career ends as Spain lose to Netherlands in Davis: 'Lived unforgettable experiences'

Rafael Nadal bid final goodbye to professional tennis on an emotional night in Malaga on Tuesday as Spain lost to the Netherlands in the Davis Cup Finals 2024 quarter-finals. A victory would have taken Spain in the semi-final against Germany or Canada, on Friday, but Nadal, 38, could not script a fairytale ending as he lost his singles match to Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp in what proved to be his final competitive match .

The 22-time Grand Slam winner’s legs and mind were as willing as ever but the magic was missing as he lost 6-4, 6-4. Spain’s new tennis sensation Carlos Alcaraz levelled the quarter-final tie beating Tallon Griekspoor 7-6(0) 6-3 but Alcaraz and Marcel Granollers then lost 7-6(4) 7-6(3) to Wesley Koolhof and Van de Zandschulp in the doubles as Netherlands won the tie.

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Nadal: ‘Lived unforgettable experiences because of tennis’

Nadal passionately supported the Spanish duo from the sidelines, hardly taking a seat, but his disappointment was evident as the finality of the moment began to set in.

The Mallorcan, a key player in four Davis Cup-winning campaigns for Spain, was visibly emotional during the anthem ceremony before the match.

Following a heartfelt on-court speech addressed to his fans, family, friends, and teammates, the tears returned as a video montage celebrated his extraordinary career.

“I was just a kid from a small village that had luck because my uncle was a tennis coach and had a family who supported me,” Nadal reflected. “A lot of people work hard, but I am one of the lucky ones that 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.”

Nadal’s Davis Cup record had been near-perfect, with 29 wins from 30 singles matches, his sole previous loss occurring in his debut tie in 2004. Last month, he announced that the Davis Cup Final Eight would mark the conclusion of his career, raising hopes for one final chapter in a career immortalized on the clay of Roland Garros, where he claimed 14 French Open titles.

For your fighting spirit.

For your humility and kindness.

For everything you’ve done for tennis.

Gracias, Rafa. pic.twitter.com/tDicj5KUI5

— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) November 19, 2024

Chosen for singles by captain David Ferrer, Nadal displayed glimpses of his legendary skill. However, with this being just his 24th match since early 2023, the lack of match play was apparent as he struggled to counter the powerful game of his Dutch opponent, who later admitted he would have cheered for Nadal if not competing against him.

Nadal on Davis Cup loss: ‘We close the circle’

When French Open and Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz leveled the tie by defeating Griekspoor, he said, “I did it for Rafa.” Yet, Alcaraz’s effort wasn’t enough to secure a Spanish victory, as the Dutch duo sealed the win in doubles, dampening the celebratory atmosphere.

Reflecting on his singles loss — his first in the Davis Cup since 2004 — Nadal said, “In some ways, it is good, maybe, if that was my last match because I lost my first match in the Davis Cup and I lost my last one. We close the circle.”

In a midnight tribute, fans in Málaga waved scarves reading “Gracias Rafa,” giving Spain’s greatest sportsman a standing ovation. The emotional farewell left few dry eyes in the arena as Nadal bid goodbye. The only element missing was his longtime rival and friend, Roger Federer, stepping onto the court for a parting embrace.

Earlier, Federer penned a heartfelt letter to Nadal , reflecting on their iconic rivalry and friendship. “Let’s start with the obvious: you beat me — a lot. More than I managed to beat you,” the Swiss 20-time Grand Slam champion wrote. “You challenged me in ways no one else could.”