Rafael Nadal‘s era is coming to an end. After much anticipation, he is retiring from tennis but with one last tournament. While Nadal’s announcement has saddened his fans, they don’t want to miss the last chance to see the legend on the court. As everyone is hyped up about attending the tournament, ticket prices showcase why Rafa is one of the greatest to have ever played the sport.

As Nadal announced his retirement from professional tennis, the community was deeply saddened by his decision. Before his retirement at the season’s end, Nadal confirmed his last participation in the Davis Cup Final 8 in Malaga. Given the Spaniard won this title 20 years ago in Seville, he believed it was a way of “coming full circle.”  Nadal’s retirement came as a surprise to many.

When Nadal refused Roland Garros’ felicitation, the fans believed that the Spaniard might return in 2025 in full form. Now, after hearing the retirement news, his worldwide supporters can’t keep calm. They want to attend the legend’s last match in Malaga and witness his talent for the last time and because of that, the ticket prices are surging sky-high. A tennis page posted on X, “Tickets for Spain’s quarter-final tie vs the Netherlands at the Davis Cup Finals (including possibly Nadal’s last ever match) are on sale by resellers for up to €34,500.”

After Nadal’s retirement news, resellers started selling tickets priced between $1642 (1500 Euros) to as high as $37775 (34500 Euros) due to the increasing demand. Spanish publication Mundo de Portivo confirmed that season’s tickets for the finals were already sold two weeks ago as fans anticipated Nadal’s participation. And the usual ticket prices start from $60.17 (55 Euros).

Since the tickets were already sold, people had no choice but to visit reselling platforms. Specialized platforms like Viagogo are now selling Middle-Grade tickets for $37791 (34541 Euros). The Jose Maria Martin Carpena Sports Palace has a maximum capacity of 13320 spectators. It was earlier planned for 17,000, but the capacity was reduced later. Despite its expansion in phases, the final seat capacity remains lower.

For Nadal supporters, the legend’s Davis Cup participation holds a special place since Nadal was the youngest ATP star to win a singles match in the finals at 18. Since then, he has clinched the title four times with five individual wins. “But, I am very excited that my last tournament will be the final of the Davis Cup and representing my country. I think I’ve come full circle since one of my first joys as a professional tennis player was the Davis Cup final in Seville in 2004,” said the legend in his retirement message.

Meanwhile, another Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz’s reaction to Nadal’s retirement has made the tennis fraternity emotional.

Carlos Alcaraz took “time to accept” Rafael Nadal’s retirement

Nadal’s decision surprised many players including Carlos Alcaraz. A fan of the legend with a similar heritage, Alcaraz always admired Nadal’s brilliance and even played the Paris Olympics doubles together. They will represent Spain in the Davis Cup in Malaga together.

Because of Nadal’s indomitable spirit, the fans hoped for his return in the next season. However, that wish won’t come true anymore. Sharing similar emotions, Alcaraz revealed how hard it was for him to digest the news.

“Well, it was, honestly, I couldn’t believe it when I watch it. You know, it didn’t affect me at all before the match. I didn’t get distracted at all, I was just really focused on the match, I didn’t think about Rafa’s news. But obviously when I watched it, it was tough to accept it. I was in shock a little bit. Thanks that I saw it like one hour before the match, so I had time to accept it and forget it a little bit before the match,” said the 2024 Wimbledon champion.

Rafael Nadal’s retirement surely ends a glorious era of tennis. Now it’s up to youngsters like Sinner and Alcaraz to continue the legacy in the sport and they are well on their way. But Nadal was one of his kind and the sport will continue to miss him.