“I leave with the peace of mind that I have left a legacy, which I feel is not just a sporting one but a personal one, “ is what Rafael Nadal said about his farewell match- a match that drew curtain on his career. Where on one side, legends like Roger Federer, Serena Williams, and others dropped adorable tributes, criticism also found its way because of the disappointing defeat. Backing Rafa, Federer’s ex-coach stepped forward to save him from irrelevant claims.

On Tuesday, the 22-time Grand Slam champion lost his farewell match to Dutch player Botic van de Zandschulp in straight sets, 4-6, 4-6. His loss ended Spain’s campaign while casting a shadow over his highly anticipated farewell match. Respected tennis analyst Paul Annacone, at the Tennis Channel Inside-In podcast (21st November release), described Nadal as a once-in-a-generation athlete whose achievements are nearly impossible to replicate.

“When you build up a resume like he has for two decades, and you see what he’s been able to accomplish, and you add that to the way he’s been able to accomplish it, you just have to tip the cap and realize you’re seeing an aberration,” he said. “To think that he was able to win 14 Roland Garros titles is almost comical, and you see everything else that he’s done. It’s been such a tough go of it for him for the last couple years, especially with the injuries because he couldn’t get the match reps in.”

He further added, “And he’s one of these players that needs match reps. He plays better with more volume, but that also breaks his body down. So it was, it was a tough it was a tough go the last few years, but I’m such a huge fan, and there’s so many great moments to sit back and look at, and just that are so awe inspiring. So I think we’re gonna have plenty of time to sit back and relish everything he’s done.””

Annacone’s comments were registered as a response to French journalist Maylin’s criticism of Spain’s Davis Cup quarter-finals against the Netherlands. Speaking on the Winamax TV show “Sans Filet,” Maylin called Nadal’s selection “a total mistake.” He blamed decision-makers, including David Ferrer, the Spanish tennis federation, and local authorities. “Rafa has said it over and over again: ‘I’m not here to say goodbye but to help Spain win this Davis Cup,’” Maylin stated.

Maylin argued that Nadal was not physically prepared for singles and suggested he should have been saved for doubles. “The aim of the game is to find yourself in the semi-finals with Bautista and Alcaraz, who will succeed in beating Holland because we had to avoid the doubles. But you don’t put Nadal, you never put Nadal, you know very well that the guy is not up to par,” he said.

Nevertheless, Paul wasn’t the only one to back Rafa against criticism.

David Ferrer explains his decision to choose Rafael Nadal for singles

In an interview with El Partidazo de COPE, Ferrer praised Nadal’s qualities as a competitor as he highlighted the legend’s ability to improve quickly during training. “I went for Rafa because I was clear that between Rafa and Roberto, seeing how they were training and that Rafa was improving day by day, they were playing matches that were very even. It was an unknown because he had not competed for a long time, but if I had to give that opportunity to someone, it was Rafa,” Ferrer explained.

Nadal’s record this season, however, has been inconsistent with just 12 wins and 7 losses in 2024. His last official matches before the Davis Cup were at the Paris Olympics with Carlos Alcaraz and an exhibition event in Saudi Arabia. Despite these concerns, Ferrer placed trust in Nadal’s history of performing under pressure while citing his legendary reputation in Davis Cup matches. Ferrer also addressed why Nadal did not play in doubles.

“In doubles, you need to be very attentive and have match rhythm, and Rafa had not been playing matches. It had been a long time since the Olympic Games,” he said. Ferrer relied on Nadal’s unmatched Davis Cup record in which he held a stellar 29-1 record before the loss to Botic van de Zandschulp. Nadal’s clutch performances in the past made Ferrer believe he was the best choice for the team because of four Davis Cup titles under his belt.