Rafael Nadal and the Spanish tennis team just played the opening match of the quarterfinals of the Davis Cup 2024 against the host Netherlands on the night of November 19 (Vietnam time). This is the last tournament in the career of the tennis player born in 1986.
The moment Rafael Nadal couldn't hold back his tears during his debut match received a lot of attention. The "King of Clay" was moved when his name was called during the introduction of the two teams, and amidst the cheers and applause from the fans at Jose Maria Martin Carpena Stadium in Malaga, Nadal was in tears when the Spanish national anthem was played.
It is known that after announcing that he would hang up his racket at the 2024 Davis Cup finals, the number of spectators buying tickets to Malaga to watch Rafael Nadal's performance increased rapidly, including famous people.
In the last match, Nadal was chosen to play the first singles match. He lost to Botic Van de Zandschulp 4-6, 4-6. Nadal's teammate Carlos Alcaraz defeated Tallon Griekspoor 7-6(0), 6-3.
The outcome of the quarter-final between Spain and the Netherlands was decided by the men's doubles match. Alcaraz teamed up with Marcel Granollers, playing against Van de Zandschulp and Wesley Koolhof - a doubles specialist who will also retire after this tournament. The Spanish pair lost 6-7(4), 6-7(3), ending their run in the quarter-finals.
The organisers prepared a tribute to Nadal, immediately after Spain's exit. The legendary tennis player could not hold back his tears after speaking to 11,000 spectators in Malaga and thanked many people. His teammates, coaches and fans were also moved.
A video recording of messages from many colleagues and famous athletes sent to Nadal was shown on the big screen. All congratulated Nadal on his great career, wished him happiness, good luck and enjoy life after retirement.
"The truth is that no one wants this moment to come. I'm not tired of tennis, but my body doesn't allow me to continue. Playing tennis is a privilege, because I turned my passion into a career and it has lasted longer than I ever thought. Family, teammates, friends, that's all I have thanks to tennis. I'm proud of the legacy I leave behind.
It was meaningful to say goodbye to tennis in Spain, in Malaga. Today, I say goodbye, but my love for tennis will last forever. Thank you very much," Nadal emotionally expressed in the final match of his career.
