Rafael Nadal has officially announced the end of his tennis career. The 22-time Grand Slam champion played his last Davis Cup match yesterday against Botic van de Zandschulp, losing by 0-2 (4:6, 4:6). Carlos Alcaraz then kept Spain’s hopes of success in the quarter-finals with the Netherlands alive by winning the second match against Tallon Griekspoor by 2-0 (7:6(0), 6:3), but in the last doubles match Carlos Alcaraz and Marcel Granollers lost by 0-2 (6:7(4), 6:7(3)) to Botic van de Zandschulp and Tallon Griekspoor, and so hopes of seeing Rafael Nadal back on court ended.
After the match in question, Rafael Nadal appeared in front of the crowd in Mallorca and tearfully announced his official retirement from professional sports.
“I’m leaving with peace of mind that I’ve left a legacy that I truly believe is not just athletic, but personal. I understand that the love I received, if it was just for what happened on the court, it wouldn’t be the same. The titles , the numbers are there, so people probably know that, but the way I’d like to be remembered more is as a nice guy from a small village in Mallorca. I was lucky enough to have an uncle who was a tennis coach in mine a village when I was a very, very small child, and a great family that supports me every moment… I just want to be remembered as a good person, a kid who followed his dreams and achieved even more than he dreamed of”, said Rafael Nadal. “I am leaving the world of professional tennis, where I have met many good friends along the way”, added he in his emotional speech.
The Spaniard also shared that he hopes to be a “good ambassador” for tennis in the coming years and is not afraid to start his retirement.
“I’m calm because I’ve been educated to take on what’s coming. I have a great family around me that helps me with everything I need every day”, concluded Rafael Nadal.
