Rafael Nadal is formally a former participant. The legendary profession of the previous world No. 1 got here to an finish on Tuesday, November nineteenth, when Spain have been eradicated by Netherlands within the quarterfinals of the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga.
The Spanish champion misplaced his final match in opposition to Botic van de Zandschulp, giving his finest as he at all times did however exhibiting a type removed from his typical requirements. Rafa’s efficiency in opposition to Botic made everybody perceive why the 22-time Grand Slam champion determined to finish his skilled profession on the age of 38.
Rafael Nadal© ITF YouTube video
At the moment, it might have been higher if Spanish captain David Ferrer had lined him up in doubles alongside Carlos Alcaraz or Marcel Granollers. On a floor that was not excellent for his recreation, the 14-time French Open champion suffered a reasonably peremptory defeat that ended up condemning Spain.
The Spanish legend didn’t cover his disappointment, earlier than receiving a very unimaginable tribute from followers and athletes of all sports activities (who despatched him stunning messages through video). The previous world No. 1 tried to take pleasure in each single second in Malaga, though he hoped Spain’s run could be for much longer.
Rafa is in Mallorca
Nadal has already returned to Mallorca and is able to begin a brand new chapter in his life. Rafa’s life will change quite a bit within the coming years, having been used to touring the world for a really very long time and having adopted the everyday rhythms of an expert athlete.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion has performed a lot much less within the final two years, which is why he has been capable of step by step adapt to his new life. The Spaniard has many passions exterior of tennis, he has his stunning Academy and his household who has at all times supported him.
Rafa’s whole household was current in Malaga, together with his spouse and son. Up to now few hours, a video has been launched wherein Nadal is seen taking part in together with his son simply earlier than leaving the lodge the place Spain was staying in the course of the Davis Cup Finals.
😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/3BGacUFyJw https://t.co/jDkE9x6YpQ
— bini_mimi | Rafa that! (@loveisparpall) November 21, 2024
There is no such thing as a doubt that Nadal’s final dance in Malaga didn’t stay as much as expectations. Spain was eradicated instantly by Netherlands and his biggest rivals weren’t current at Rafa’s final match.
Talking with ‘El Partidazo de Cope’, Spain’s captain David Ferrer commented on Nadal’s farewell: “I’m sad about everything, about how it happened, about losing the tie… it wasn’t the scenario we wanted. We were favorites but we didn’t show it.”
The previous 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.
“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 won’t see him on a court again and I missed that.”
A incorrect alternative
Within the final two days, Ferrer’s option to discipline Nadal in singles has been extremely criticized by followers and insiders. The previous world No. 1 had performed lower than 20 matches in 2024, has not performed an official match for greater than three months and the indoor arduous court docket has by no means been his favourite floor. Regardless of his unimaginable effort in the course of the match, Rafa’s degree was removed from what he would have wanted to win. The 22-time Grand Slam champion might in all probability have made the distinction in doubles due to his expertise.
Rafael Nadal, Mallorca 2024© Stream screenshot
Nevertheless – in an interview with ‘El Larguero’ on Radio SER – uncle Toni stated that Rafa was able 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 doesn’t 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 didn’t 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 began to play higher in the direction of the tip of the match, when the scenario was compromised.
