Rafael Nadal says he would like to be remembered as “a child who followed his dreams” as the tennis great bid a poignant farewell to the sport.
The 23-year career of the 22-time Grand Slam champion came to an end on Tuesday evening in Malaga after Spain was defeated by the Netherlands in the quarter-finals of the Davis Cup.
Nadal retires as the second most successful men’s singles player of all time, behind his old rival Novak Djokovic.
The 38-year-old said he hoped to be remembered above all as “a good person”.
“I would like to be remembered as a child who achieved more than I ever dreamed of,” Nadal said during an on-court presentation.
“I have been very lucky in the life I have been able to lead, I have had unforgettable experiences thanks to tennis.
“I was just a kid following their dreams and working as hard as I could to be where I am today.
“The way I would most like to be remembered is as a good person from a small village in Mallorca.”
Nadal’s legacy will be eternal: Alcaraz
In what turned out to be the final match of his stellar career, Nadal suffered a 6-4 6-4 defeat to Botic Van de Zandschulp in the opening match of the quarter-final, ending a remarkable 29-match winning streak in the Davis Cup. singles matches over 20 years.
Nadal said after his loss: “In some ways it might be good if this was my last match.
“I lost my first match in the Davis Cup and I lost my last. We are closing the circle.”
Carlos Alcaraz kept Nadal and the nation’s hopes alive by beating Tallon Greekpoor in the second singles match, saying he “did it for Rafa”.
But the 21-year-old and teammate Marcel Granollers failed to make a dramatic comeback in the decisive doubles match and extend the career of Alcaraz’ idol.
Alcaraz teamed up with Nadal in the men’s doubles at the Paris Olympics last summer and has already proven his potential to succeed Nadal as Spain’s next tennis star by winning four Slams in the past three years.
He said afterwards that Nadal’s “legacy will be eternal”.
“He’s been great for tennis, for the sport in general. It’s hard, at least for me, to feel like I have to continue the legacy he left,” Alcaraz said.
“It’s difficult, almost impossible. I’ll just do my best. Now it’s time to say great things about Rafa.”
Spain captain David Ferrer told Nadal: “There are people who will be remembered for their achievements in life, others until the end of their lives, and others forever.
“You will be remembered forever.”
‘I have peace of mind that I have left a legacy’
Nadal was invited onto the court to address the crowd, while an emotional tribute video was also played with messages from many of his rivals.
“I leave with the peace of mind that I have left a legacy, which I believe is not only a sporting legacy but also a personal one,” Nadal said.
“I understand that the love I received, just because of what happened on the field, would not be the same.”
Nadal won his 22 major titles during the ‘Big Three’ era, which saw him compete with fellow greats Djokovic and Roger Federer for the sport’s major prizes – and his two biggest rivals were among those eager to pay tribute to the career from Nadal.
Federer, who cried alongside Nadal as he retired in 2022, said in a post on Instagram that Nadal had “made the entire tennis world proud” during his “epic career”.
Djokovic, meanwhile, was among those who left a video message for Nadal, saying: “I am very honored and excited to be called your rival.”
Andy Murray of Great Britain said: “The passion and intensity with which you played was something that I think all tennis players aspire to, and that all tennis fans will remember you for. It was incredible to watch you.”
American great Serena Williams posted on Instagram: “Congratulations on a career most would never dream of. Your legacy will never die.”
