Rafael Nadal wanted to keep the emotions aside and was focused on winning the Davis Cup. However, the moment he entered the court, amid the chants of the crowd and the commentator introducing Nadal, there were a lot of emotions on his face. This was it, the end. However, not everyone was able to enjoy the end of Nadal’s professional career, as they blamed the broadcaster for limited coverage and other issues.

In his last tournament, and unfortunately, what turned out to be the last match of his professional career, Nadal faced Botic Van de Zandschulp. Though the Spaniard seemed to be in good form, the Dutchman ended up claiming the match with a scoreline of 6-4,6-4. However, that faded in the minds of Rafa fans, when the gravity of the situation came to light, as the Netherlands ousted Spain. No more Rafael Nadal now next year or ever in the professional circuit, as a player. And what infuriated the fans was the limited coverage of his last day by the Tennis channel.

The broadcaster, however, made the the video of the whole ceremony available for everyone to watch, on their X handle with the following words: “Watch Rafa’s full retirement ceremony here 🥹❤️” Thus prompting the fans to lash out in frustration, as they question the broadcaster’s lapse in service on the D-Day!

Fans left frustrated after being unable to enjoy Rafael Nadal’s farewell ceremony

There were a few things that Rafael Nadal fans highlighted as the cause of their frustration. The first and foremost was the commentary! The famous commentator, Steve Weissman, and Roger Federer’s ex-coach, Paul Annacone, were active for the Tennis Channel broadcast in the USA. But not everyone seemed to like their commentary as they watched Nadal play his last match.

A disappointed user said, “Shameful. I’m so disappointed in the Tennis Channel’s coverage. He’s been one of the titans of the sport for 20+ years and you blew it. You guys @Steve_Weissman @paul_annacone. Absolutely ruined the moment for his loyal fans in the USA. You did a terrible job.”

The disappointment over commentary was far from over. Hence, when the broadcaster shared the link to Nadal’s farewell video, another fan highlighted their angst. They said, “Thanks for this link since we didn’t get to hear Rafa because Tennis Channel commentators talked over him the entire ceremony!! Shame on Tennis Channel!!!”

The fans just wanted to grasp every moment of Rafael Nadal on the court without disturbance. But the commentary wasn’t up to the mark. Another user came out against their coverage. They said, “Utterly disappointed in your coverage!” However, commentary wasn’t the only issue. After the match was over, and the Netherlands ousted Spain, it was time for Rafael Nadal’s retirement speech.

The Spaniard, in front of his nation, stood on the court, to bid adieu to everyone: his Davis Cup team, and the fans, while thanking his family and team for their support. But to everyone’s disappointment, the conversation was in Spanish, with no English or regional language subtitles. This made it difficult for fans from the other countries. And one fan asked the channel, “Why didn’t you have a translator?”

Some Nadal fans were unable to catch the action live due to some broadcasting issues. Hence, they shared their misery as they said, “Would have preferred to be able to watch it live with the rest of the world.” Nonetheless, Rafael Nadal has drawn the curtains to his illustrious career after giving us 23 glorious years. Hence, in the end, everyone has just one thing to say: “Gracias Rafa!”