Rafael Nadal's farewell ceremony at the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga has generated several controversies in recent days. Many fans and insiders did not like the way the organizers said goodbye to one of the best athletes of the modern era. Rafa's former rivals were not present nor illustrious figures such as Pau Gasol, whose arrivals were expected in the following days.
ADVERTISEMENT
Almost no one imagined that Spain's run would end already in the quarterfinals, a shocking elimination that surprised even the organizers of the event. Everyone's dream was to see a final between Spain and Italy, with Nadal who could have won one last title before retiring. In addition, fans could have witnessed a new chapter in the rivalry between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion gave everyone a sincere thank you and returned to Mallorca, leaving a little sadness for how his farewell took place. A legend like Rafa would have deserved a better last dance, as Carlos Moya and uncle Toni candidly declared in recent days.
Despite this controversies, the former world No. 1 has already begun to enjoy a new chapter in his life and participated in a golf tournament in Mallorca last Saturday. The 14-time French Open champion also showed his skills in this sport by finishing eighth out of 76 participants.
ADVERTISEMENT
The Spanish legend's career has been full of memorable victories and he has transcended tennis, also thanks to his beautiful rivalry with Serbian Novak Djokovic and Swiss Roger Federer.
His amazing journey on the professional tour lasted longer than he imagined at the beginning of his career and injuries did not prevent him from winning a lot. The decision to retire was correct, because Rafa was no longer competitive at the highest level and his body had been asking him to stop for some time.
A sad ending
After the Davis Cup Finals, ITF president David Haggerty commented on Nadals farewell ceremony: We felt it was important to listen to what Rafa wanted and how he wanted to be celebrated. And thats exactly what we did, we let ourselves be guided.
Tournament director Feliciano Lopez also added: We have to focus on the fact that Nadal chose the Davis Cup to end his career and not on the ceremony. We did our best.
ADVERTISEMENT
Rafa's last match is destined to remain the one against Botic van de Zandschulp in the tie against the Netherlands in Malaga. The choice of Spanish captain David Ferrer to field Nadal in singles has been highly criticized all over the world.
'Ferru' hoped that Rafa's spirit would make the difference, but the Spaniard had too many limitations and could not compete at the highest level. The 22-time Grand Slam champion had played just 19 matches since January and indoor hard courts have never been his favorite courts.
Rafa gave his best
It would probably have been better to use Roberto Bautista Agut in the first singles, considering that the Spanish veteran was playing well and had won the title in Antwerp a short time ago. The 14-time French Open champion would play the eventual decisive doubles together with his friend Marcel Granollers.
ADVERTISEMENT
In an interview with El Partidazo de Cope, Ferrer explained his strange choice: I knew that between Rafa and Roberto, seeing how they trained and Rafa improving day by day, I was confident that Rafa is a competitive beast.
It was an unknown but if I had to bet on someone, I had to give him that opportunity.
And in doubles, Granollers and Carlos had already played together, Carlos is powerful serving on an indoor court and so is Granollers. In doubles, Rafa had not played since the Games.
The former Roland Garros finalist was asked when he felt it was going to be every difficult for Nadal to win the match.
David continued: When he loses the first set. Hes worried because he cant find his feeling. He tells me hes going to play further back, although I didnt think it was appropriate on such a fast court.
ADVERTISEMENT
In the second set, there are two breaks and I tell him that he has to enjoy himself, that he has to loosen his arm and play bravely.
Winning or losing didnt matter, he wasnt going to change his career and he knew he was going to suffer. It was like focusing on it as when he was a child and had the illusion of playing. I told him I was very proud of him and thank you.
A sad ending that does not erase 20 years of emotions and triumphs in every corner of the world.
