Rafael Nadal has a legacy greater than the sum of its parts. His final match at the Davis Cup may not have ended in a win, but it doesn’t overshadow his remarkable 29-match winning streak. He remains the GOAT, leaving the court with 22 Grand Slam titles and 92 overall victories. These achievements are woven into his tennis kit by Babolat. So, what does one loss mean for a legend? Paul Annacone has a perspective on that.

After facing Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp, Nadal lost in straight sets, 6-4, 6-4. In his post-match interview, he reflected, “I lost my first match in the Davis Cup, and I lost my last one. So we close the circle.” This remark nods to his debut loss to the Netherlands back in 2004. Despite the defeat, he received a standing ovation. It’s hard not to feel bittersweet watching your idol lose.

In a recent episode of ‘Served,’ Andy Roddick welcomed Paul Annacone to discuss Nadal’s retirement. Annacone noted how cruel time can be, quoting, “Father time is still undefeated, right?” He acknowledged that while it wasn’t surprising to see Nadal hang up his racket, it was still a hard pill to swallow. “It’s just heartbreaking whenever you see your legends walk away,” he said.

Nadal played professionally for 23 years. His retirement comes after injuries finally took their toll on his body. Ahead of the Davis Cup, he stated that his goal wasn’t to prove himself one last time. He chose not to retire next year to avoid saying goodbye at every tournament. “I don’t have that ego to need that,” he explained. Annacone emphasized the importance of celebrating Nadal’s contributions to tennis. “Let’s celebrate what he’s done,” he said. Nadal’s legacy includes not just gold medals and prestigious titles but also his skill and grit that inspired young players like Carlos Alcaraz.

Even after Nadal’s loss, Alcaraz stepped up to level the tie against Tallon Griekspoor with a hard-fought victory of 7-6(0), 6-3. Unfortunately, Spain fell short in the decisive doubles match. Nadal dominated the clay courts of Roland Garros with 14 French Open championships and founded the Fundación Rafa Nadal in 2010 and the Rafa Nadal Academy in 2016, all to help guide young athletes to a greater future.
While his absence will be felt across the tennis scene, Nadal can rest assured that his legacy will live on—a sentiment echoed by his friend and rival Roger Federer in tribute to the Spaniard.

Federer writes a farewell message to Rafa as he ends his tennis career

On November 19th, Roger Federer shared a heartfelt letter to Nadal, blending their fierce rivalry with a deep friendship. “Vamos, Rafa! As you get ready to graduate from tennis, I’ve got a few things to share before I maybe get emotional,” Federer began. He praised Nadal for pushing him to his limits, admitting, “You beat me a lot. More than I managed to beat you.” This acknowledgment highlighted how Nadal’s dominance on clay forced Federer to elevate his game.

Federer added a touch of humor by recalling Nadal’s unique rituals. “Your rituals—assembling water bottles, adjusting your underwear, fixing your hair… secretly, I kind of loved it. Because it was so unique—it was so you,” he wrote. He reminisced about their first encounter in Miami in 2004, noting that the buzz surrounding Nadal was well-deserved. Their rivalry blossomed over two decades, culminating in Nadal’s remarkable record of 912 weeks within the top ten position. “You made Spain proud… you made the whole tennis world proud,” Federer emphasized.

The letter also reflected on their off-court moments and collaborations, like the memorable half-grass, half-clay exhibition match that broke attendance records in South Africa. Federer expressed gratitude for being part of milestones such as the launch of the Rafa Nadal Academy and acknowledged its impact on young players, including his own children. He concluded with a poignant memory from the emotional Laver Cup in 2022, where Nadal stood by him not as a rival but as a partner. “Sharing those tears will forever be one of the most special moments of my career,” he wrote, hinting that he would continue to cheer for his old friend in whatever comes next.