After 23 years, Rafael Nadal's tennis career has finally come to an end. In his final match at the Davis Cup, Nadal lost in the quarterfinals to Botic van de Zandschulp (6-4, 6-4 loss).
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That is to say, when stepping off the court in Malaga, Spain, Nadal was moved to tears during a retirement ceremony.
Rafa Nadal with tears in his eyes as he says goodbye to tennis.
His family is in tears.
We’re all in tears for this man.
The greatest fighter in history… Rafael Nadal Parera.
You. Are. Infinite. 🥹
🇪🇸❤️🇪🇸
pic.twitter.com/mMCrqESpLR— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) November 19, 2024
"The way I would like to be remembered more is a good person from a small village in Mallorca," he said. "Just a kid that follows their dreams, works as hard as possible to be what I am today."
In view of his career, Nadal has won 22 Grand Slams, while also earning 14 French Open championships, and 92 singles titles.
Rafael Nadal's career has come to an end 🥺
End of an era. pic.twitter.com/CjcuZWGV7m
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) November 19, 2024
In addition, he was the No. 1 ranked tennis player for 209 weeks and as the one they called the "Clay Court King," Nadal had the longest win streak with 81 at the Open Era.
Back when the 38-year-old first announced his retirement on October 10, he highlighted the fact that all good things must come to an end.
"In this life, everything has a beginning and an end," Nadal said. "And I think it's an appropriate time to put an end to a career that has been long and much more successful than I could have ever imagined."
🇪🇸 Rafael Nadal is (and will be) the only player in history to lose the 1st and last match on Davis Cup winning all other ones‼️ #Legend pic.twitter.com/hASCgcuw46
— TennisMyLife (@TennisMyLife68) November 19, 2024
Related: Tennis Legend Rafael Nadal Announces His Retirement
