Rafael Nadal’s remarkable 23-year career came to an end after Spain was eliminated by the Netherlands in the Davis Cup quarterfinals on Tuesday.
In emotional scenes, Nadal - playing in his final professional tennis event - watched with tears in his eyes while other tennis greats, including Roger Federer, lauded the Spanish great in a retirement ceremony. Earlier in the day, Nadal lost to Botic van de Zandschulp. The Málaga, Spain, crowd tried to will the 22-time grand slam singles champion to victory, but van de Zandschulp prevailed, 6-4, 6-4. Nadal’s all-time singles record at the Davis Cup stands at 29-2.
”Nadal also won singles and doubles gold for Spain at the Olympics and led his country to four Davis Cup titles.“I leave with the absolute peace of mind of having given my best, of having made an effort in every way,” Nadal said. Emotions were running high before a ball was hit Tuesday. The Málaga crowd roared for the 38-year-old Nadal, playing in his first competitive match in three months when he was introduced with Team Spain.
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