Rafael Nadal says he would like to be remembered as “a kid who followed their dreams” as the tennis great bid a poignant farewell to the sport.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion’s 23-year career came to an end in Malaga on Tuesday night after Spain were beaten by the Netherlands in the Davis Cup quarter-finals.
Nadal retires as the second-most successful men’s singles player of all time, behind only long-time rival Novak Djokovic.
The 38-year-old said he hoped to be remembered primarily as “a good person”.
“I’d like to be remembered as a kid that achieved more than I ever dreamed,” Nadal said during an on-court presentation.
“I have been very lucky in the life I have had the opportunity to live, I have lived unforgettable experiences because of tennis.
“I was just a kid that followed their dreams, worked as hard as possible to be where I am today.
“The way I’d like to be remembered most is as a good person from a small village in Mallorca.”
Nadal’s legacy will be eternal – Alcaraz
In what proved to be the final match of his outstanding career, Nadal suffered a 6-4 6-4 defeat by Botic Van de Zandschulp in the opening contest of the quarter-final tie, ending a remarkable 29-match winning streak in Davis Cup singles matches over 20 years.
Speaking after his loss, Nadal said: “In some ways it is good, maybe, if that was my last match.
“I lost my first match in the Davis Cup and I lost my last one. We close the circle.”
Carlos Alcaraz kept the hopes of Nadal and the nation alive by beating Tallon Griekspoor in the second singles match, saying he “did it for Rafa”.
But the 21-year-old and team-mate Marcel Granollers were unable to complete a dramatic comeback in the deciding doubles contest and extend the career of Alcaraz’s idol.
Alcaraz partnered Nadal in the men’s doubles at the Paris Olympics in the summer and has already proved his potential to succeed Nadal as Spain’s next men’s tennis star by winning four Slams in the past three years.
He said afterwards that Nadal’s “legacy is going to be eternal”.
“He has been great for tennis, for the sport in general. It is difficult, at least for me, to feel that I should continue the legacy that he has left,” said Alcaraz.
“It is difficult, almost impossible. I will just try to do my best. Right now it’s time to say great things about Rafa.”
Spain captain David Ferrer told Nadal: “There are people who will be remembered for their achievements in life, others until the end of their days, and others eternally.
“You will be remembered eternally.”
‘I have peace of mind that I have left a legacy’
Nadal was invited on to court to address the crowd, while an emotional tribute video featuring messages from many of his rivals was also played.
“I leave with the peace of mind that I have left a legacy, which I really feel is not just a sporting one but a personal one,” Nadal said.
“I understand that the love I have received, if it was just for what happened on the court, would not be the same.”
Nadal achieved his 22 major titles during the ‘Big Three’ era in which he competed with fellow greats Djokovic and Roger Federer for the sport’s major prizes – and his two greatest rivals were among those keen to pay tribute to Nadal’s career.
Federer, who famously cried alongside Nadal when he retired in 2022, said Nadal had “made the whole tennis world proud” during his “epic career” in a post on Instagram.
Djokovic, meanwhile, was among those to leave a video message for Nadal, saying: “I have been very honoured and thrilled to be called your rival”.
Britain’s Andy Murray said: “The passion and intensity you played with was something I think all tennis players aspire to, and what all tennis fans will remember you for. It has been incredible watching you.”
American great Serena Williams posted on Instagram: “Congratulations on a career that most won’t dare to dream of. Your legacy will never die.”