Rafael Nadal is officially a former player. The legendary career of the former world No. 1 came to an end on Tuesday, November 19th, when Spain were eliminated by Netherlands in the quarterfinals of the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga.
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The Spanish champion lost his last match against Botic van de Zandschulp, giving his best as he always did but showing a form far from his usual standards. Rafa's performance against Botic made everyone understand why the 22-time Grand Slam champion decided to end his professional career at the age of 38.
At this time, it would have been better if Spanish captain David Ferrer had lined him up in doubles alongside Carlos Alcaraz or Marcel Granollers. On a surface that was not ideal for his game, the 14-time French Open champion suffered a fairly peremptory defeat that ended up condemning Spain.
The Spanish legend did not hide his disappointment, before receiving a truly incredible tribute from fans and athletes of all sports (who sent him beautiful messages via video). The former world No. 1 tried to enjoy every single moment in Malaga, although he hoped Spain's run would be much longer.
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Rafa is in Mallorca
Nadal has already returned to Mallorca and is ready to start a new chapter in his life. Rafa's life will change a lot in the coming years, having been used to traveling the world for a very long time and having followed the typical rhythms of a professional athlete.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion has played much less in the last two years, which is why he has been able to gradually adapt to his new life. The Spaniard has many passions outside of tennis, he has his beautiful Academy and his family who has always supported him.
Rafa's entire family was present in Malaga, including his wife and son. In the past few hours, a video has been released in which Nadal is seen playing with his son just before leaving the hotel where Spain was staying during the Davis Cup Finals.
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There is no doubt that Nadal's last dance in Malaga did not live up to expectations. Spain was eliminated immediately by Netherlands and his greatest rivals were not present at Rafa's last match.
Speaking with El Partidazo de Cope, Spains captain David Ferrer commented on Nadals farewell: Im sad about everything, about how it happened, about losing the tie it wasnt the scenario we wanted. We were favorites but we didnt show it.
The former ATP ace continued: And the farewell to someone as important as Rafa was watered down; very important people in his career were missing, as well as people who have been so important at the level of his rivals and his team. I missed those people.
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Things are what they are and you have to accept them. Rafa will have a lot of time where he will be honored in big tournaments and he will have the farewell he deserves. It was his last match, we wont see him on a court again and I missed that.
A wrong choice
In the last two days, Ferrer's choice to field Nadal in singles has been highly criticized by fans and insiders. The former world No. 1 had played less than 20 matches in 2024, has not played an official tournament for more than three months and the indoor hard court has never been his favorite surface. Despite his incredible effort during the match, Rafa's level was far from what he would have needed to win. The 22-time Grand Slam champion could probably have made the difference in doubles thanks to his experience.
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However - in an interview with El Larguero on Radio SER - uncle Toni said that Rafa was ready to play singles in Malaga: I saw him practicing in Manacor, even playing against Bautista and some others on the tour. The truth is that my nephew was playing at a very acceptable level, taking sets from these players, and David Ferrer must have thought the same.
In the end, what usually doesnt happen often happens: Rafael used to play better in matches than in practice. This time, between the emotions, the lack of matches, it was the opposite.
It feels worse because you are defending your country and this time it didnt work out. There, the activity of his legs was lower, and when that happens, everything declines a bit, you hit the ball a bit later, it causes less damage to your opponent.
The legend from Manacor started to play better towards the end of the match, when the situation was compromised.
