In the end, it wasn’t meant to be. While many fans had hoped for a fairytale ending to Rafael Nadal’s career, the Spaniard era ended abruptly after a shocking loss against the Netherlands at the Davis Cup Finals. Although Rafael Nadal participated in singles against all odds, he failed to overcome the challenge of Botic van de Zandschulp. Subsequently, Carlos Alcaraz helped Spain get back on level terms but lost the doubles tie which ended their team’s campaign at the tournament.
Despite Nadal’s loss, he gave glimpses of his old self during the match against van de Zandschulp. This led to rumors that he could prolong his career and play next season. However, Nadal gave a blunt response to silence these rumors.
After the Davis Cup exit, Nadal revealed, “Okay, I can hold for one more year but why? I mean, to say goodbye in every single tournament, I don’t have the ego to do that. For me today, don’t make sense to keep going knowing that I don’t have the hands to be competitive the way I like to be competitive.”
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via Getty LONDON, ENGLAND – JUNE 28: Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts during his Gentlemen’s Singles second round match against Lukas Rosol of the Czech Republic on day four of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on June 28, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
To put things into perspective, Nadal has played just eight tournaments this year. He spent most of the time on the sidelines due to persistent injury issues. Moreover, at 38, he is past his best and doesn’t have the fuel to carry any further. Thus, Nadal felt that this was the right time to call it quits and end the suspense over his retirement.
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Nonetheless, Nadal was emotional during his farewell at the Davis Cup. Playing in front of his home crowd, Nadal gave an emotional speech which is sure to bring tears to the eyes of his fans.
Rafael Nadal after his Davis Cup loss: ‘We close the circle’
Back in 2004, Nadal lost his first Davis Cup encounter. Subsequently, he went on to win 29 consecutive matches in that tournament before his loss yesterday. After losing his first and last match there, Nadal made an emotional revelation and thanked his close ones and fans for their support throughout his journey.
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Nadal said, “I lost my first match in the Davis Cup, and I lost my last one. So we close the circle. A lot of people worked hard. A lot of people tried their best every single day. 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.”
Meanwhile, the entire tennis world got together to bid adieu to Nadal’s legendary career. The likes of Serena Williams and Roger Federer paid tributes to the 22-time Grand Slam champion and gave him a fitting farewell.