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Rafael Nadal retires with Spain’s defeat to the Netherlands

The 38-year-old Spanish tennis legend concluded his illustrious career following Spain’s elimination in the Davis Cup.

Por: Rubén Carrillo November 20, 2024

Rafael Nadal retires with Spain’s defeat to the Netherlands / Photo via David Cup 2024

Rafael Nadal’s remarkable journey in tennis came to an end in Málaga on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, with Spain’s 2-1 loss to the Netherlands in the Davis Cup quarterfinals.

The Dutch duo of Wesley Koolhof and Botic van de Zandschulp, who had earlier defeated Nadal in the opening match of the tie, secured the decisive point against the Spanish pair Carlos Alcaraz and Marcel Granollers.

In his final tournament as a professional, Nadal faced off against Botic van de Zandschulp in the quarterfinal opener, losing 6-4, 6-4.

The match took place at Málaga’s Martín Carpena arena, packed with fans fervently supporting their local hero, who admitted this was “probably” his last match.

With this defeat, Nadal closed his Davis Cup chapter, which spanned two decades and included 29 victories and five titles. His debut in the tournament came in 2004 when, at just 17, he suffered his first singles loss to Jiri Novak.

“Probably this was my last match. I lost my first and my last one. It’s not up to me to decide, but if I were the captain, I’d pick someone else.

Perhaps the easiest decision would be to replace me with Roberto (Bautista),” Nadal candidly remarked during the press conference.

Earlier that day, Nadal was honored in Paris with a massive tribute in the Trocadéro Square, overlooking the Eiffel Tower.

The tribute featured a 10-meter-tall video projection celebrating his career, presented from 7:30 to 10:00 PM local time. Organized by his sponsor, Nike, this event was part of a series commemorating Nadal’s announced retirement after the Davis Cup finals in Málaga.

Paris was the chosen venue for the tribute due to Nadal’s unmatched record at Roland Garros, where he won 14 Grand Slam titles on clay between 2005 and 2022, solidifying his legacy as the “King of Clay.”

Rafael Nadal’s retirement marks the end of an era in tennis, as his departure from the professional circuit resonates deeply with fans worldwide.

Known for his relentless work ethic, unmatched grit, and fierce determination, Nadal has been a defining figure in tennis for nearly two decades. His retirement, following Spain’s defeat in the Davis Cup, symbolizes the close of a chapter not just for his career but for the sport itself.

Over the years, Nadal has built an impressive legacy, winning 22 Grand Slam singles titles, including a record 14 French Open titles, which earned him the title of the “King of Clay.”

Nadal’s resilience and fighting spirit on court made him a fan favorite and an inspiration to aspiring players everywhere. His powerful baseline game, unmatched physicality, and unwavering mental toughness were hallmarks of his style, which made him a dominant force in tennis.

Despite struggling with injuries in recent years, Nadal continued to compete at the highest level, refusing to step away until he knew it was time.

His retirement announcement came after a moving tribute in Paris, where fans and the tennis world gathered to honor his career. As Nadal leaves the sport, his legacy will endure, inspiring future generations of players to follow in his footsteps.

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Rafael Nadal retires with Spain’s defeat to the Netherlands

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