Rafael Nadal said Tuesday at the Davis Cup that he has left behind both a sporting and personal legacy after retiring from professional tennis. The 38-year-old lost his first singles match in the quarter-finals as the Netherlands beat Spain 2-1 to advance to the semi-finals. Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam winner, has enjoyed a remarkable and historic career over the past 23 years. “I leave with the peace of mind that I have left a legacy, and I think it’s not just a sporting legacy, it’s a personal legacy,” Nadal told fans at his retirement ceremony in Malaga. “I understand that the love I received wouldn’t be the same if it happened on the court.”
Nadal credited many people who helped him along the way, including his uncle Toni Nadal, who coached him for most of his career from a young age.
“People will know because I have a title or a number, but the way I want to be remembered more is as a nice guy from a small town in Mallorca,” Nadal said.
“I was lucky enough to have an uncle who was my tennis coach when I was very young and a great family who supported me every step of the way.
“I just want to be remembered as a good person, a kid who chased his dreams and achieved more than I ever dreamed of.”
Nadal was celebrated with a video montage on many screens around Malaga’s Martin Carpena Stadium, where more than 10,000 fans watched his career come to an end.
Tennis greats including former rivals Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray and Serena Williams left messages in the video, along with former Spanish soccer stars including Raul and Andres Iniesta, who retired from the game in October.
In a touching speech, Nadal said, “I left the professional tennis world after meeting many good friends along the way.”
The Spaniard said he hopes to be a “good ambassador” for tennis in the future and is not afraid of entering retirement.
“I’m calm because I’ve been educated about what’s going to happen,” he explained.
“I have a wonderful family around me who help me with all my daily needs.”
– ‘Eternal’ –
After Nadal lost 6-4, 6-4 to Botic van de Zandschulp, Carlos Alcaraz defeated Tallon Greekpoor 7-6 (7/0), 6-3 to take the doubles decider.
Van de Zandschulp and Wesley Koolhof capped Nadal’s career with a 7-6 (7/4), 7-6 (7/3) win over Alcaraz and Marcel Granollers.
World number three Alcaraz, 21, is one of the game’s brightest talents and hopes someone can become Nadal’s successor.
“His legacy will last forever,” Alcaraz told reporters.
“He played good tennis. sports In general, at least for me, it’s difficult to think that I should continue the legacy he left behind.
“It’s difficult, almost impossible. I’ll try my best. Now is the time to say good things about Rafa…
“It was great to have Rafa with me in tennis, in Spain and in my life.”
Nadal fought hard in the final game in front of great support from his home side, but ultimately fell short.
“He gave everything he had in the tank and all his energy. It’s sad to see him go, but we have to accept it,” added Alcaraz.
Spain’s Davis Cup captain David Ferrer also paid tribute to Nadal.
“Some people will be remembered for their achievements in life, some people will be remembered for their entire lives, and some people will be remembered forever,” Ferrer said.
“You will be remembered forever.”
In his speech, Nadal expressed his gratitude not only to his Spanish fans, but also to fans around the world for the many compliments he received.
His image was reflected in the night sky in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, where he earned the nickname ‘King of Dirt’ after winning a record 14 French Open titles.
“I’m crying as I speak… Rafael Nadal… what an absolute icon he is. sports period! There will never be anyone like Rafa again!” Former world number one Boris Becker wrote on social media platform
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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