Rafael Nadal, the 22-time Grand Slam champion, bid a heartfelt goodbye to the sport on Tuesday night in Malaga. His 23-year career came to an end as Spain was 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 Novak Djokovic.

His Desired Legacy

During an on-court presentation, Nadal expressed his hope to be remembered primarily as "a good person." He said, "I'd like to be remembered as a kid that achieved more than I ever dreamed. 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."

Final Match and Legacy

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.

Olympic Partnership and Future

Alcaraz partnered Nadal in the men's doubles at the Paris Olympics in the summer and has already proven 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 added, "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. It is difficult, almost impossible. I will just try to do my best. Right now it's time to say great things about Rafa."

Final Thoughts and Tributes

Nadal was invited on court to address the crowd, while an emotional tribute video featuring messages from many of his rivals was also played. He said, "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. I understand that the love I have received, if it was just for what happened on the court, would not be the same." 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."