In the end, it wasn’t meant to be. While many fans hoped for a fairytale ending to Rafael Nadal’s career, the Nadal era ended abruptly after a shocking loss in the Davis Cup tie against the Netherlands. Although the Spaniard participated in singles against all odds, he failed to overcome the challenge of Botic van de Zandschulp. Subsequently, Carlos Alcaraz helped Spain get back on level terms but lost the doubles tie which ended their team’s campaign at the tournament.

Despite Nadal’s loss, he showed glimpses of his old self during the match against van de Zandschulp. And it left fans wondering if he could prolong his career and play next season. Well, even Nadal thought he could have continued for another year, but eventually he saw no point.

After the Davis Cup exit, Nadal revealed, “Okay, I can hold for one more year but why? I mean, to say goodbye in every single tournament, I don’t have the ego to do that. For me today, don’t make sense to keep going knowing that I don’t have the hands to be competitive the way I like to be competitive.”

To put things into perspective, Nadal played just eight tournaments this year. He spent most of the time on the sidelines due to persistent injury issues. Moreover, at 38, he is past his best and doesn’t have the fuel to carry any further. Thus, the veteran felt this was the right time to call it quits and end the suspense over his retirement.

Nonetheless, Nadal was emotional during his farewell at the Davis Cup, playing in front of his home crowd. He gave an emotional speech which brought tears to the eyes of his fans.

Rafael Nadal after his Davis Cup loss: ‘We close the circle’

Back in 2004, Nadal lost his first Davis Cup encounter. Subsequently, he went on to win 29 consecutive matches in the tournament before his loss yesterday. After finishing his professional tennis journey with a defeat, the Spanish maestro gave an emotional speech and thanked his close ones and fans for their support throughout.

Nadal said, “I lost my first match in the Davis Cup, and I lost my last one. So we close the circle. A lot of people worked hard. A lot of people tried their best every single day. I have been very lucky, that the life gave me the opportunity to live unforgettable experiences because of tennis. I just want to be remembered as a good person and a kid that followed their dreams and achieved more than what I’ve ever dreamed.”

The entire tennis world got together to bid adieu to Nadal’s legendary career. The likes of Serena Williams and Roger Federer paid tributes to the 22-time Grand Slam champion and gave him a fitting farewell. What are your thoughts on Nadal’s retirement? Let us know in the comments below.