Tearful Rafael Nadal bade an emotional farewell to tennis and declared: “I would like to be remembered more is a good person from a small village in Mallorca“.
The Spanish superstar lost his last ever match to Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp in the opening singles at the Davis Cup.
And Spain lost the quarter-final to the Netherlands to bring an end to Nadal’s glittering career.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion then returned to the packed court to Palacio de Deportes – including his family and son Rafa Jr – to thank the crowd. His wife Maria Francisca and his coach Carlos Moya were among the many in tears.
And Nadal starting crying during a video tribute from stars including Roger Federer, Serena Williams, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray and David Beckham before a presentation ceremony.
Nadal won five Davis Cup and spent 209 weeks at world No.1 as well as a record 14 French Open titles after turning pro aged 14.
Speaking in English, the Spanish superstar said: “The titles, the numbers are there. So people probably know that. But the way I would like to be remembered more is a good person from a small village in Mallorca. I had the luck that I had my uncle as a coach int he village when I was a kid.
“I am a kid who followed their dreams and worked as hard as they could to be where I am today. A lot of people do this and I have been very lucky to live the life I have because of tennis. I want to be remembered as a good person and a kid who followed their dreams and achieved more than they thought they could.”
Nadal started by addressing the crowd in Spanish – and admitted he did not want to retire.
The world No.154 had not played since the Olympics and has admitted in his pre-tournament press conference that he has been forced to quit because of a “cocktail” of injuries. Now 38,underwent hip surgery last year and suffered an abdominal strain this season.
Nadal said: “I have to thank you, it is difficult to do so. I will start with those who are here: the public. It has been 20 years of professional career in which you have carried me through the good times and in the bad you pushed me to keep playing.
“I have been able to live with Spain and with the whole world, I have felt very grateful to feel the affection of all the public and especially here in Spain.
“I would like to continue congratulating the Netherlands and thank the entire Spanish team here, who have allowed me to play the Davis Cup again, which has not gone as we all wanted.
“I have given everything I had and I would like to thank you for the opportunity. I want to look back on these last few days as a professional in a team. I have lived many important moments of my career with those of you who are here, it has been a privilege, we have achieved many beautiful things and now it is your turn to continue living them, which I am sure will come.“
“The truth is that you never want to get to this point. I’m not tired of playing tennis, but my body doesn’t want to play anymore and you have to accept that. I feel super privileged, I’ve been able to make my hobby my profession for a long time. I also remember my family, my team, you have been an unforgettable part of my life for all these years.
“I am a person who believes in continuity and staying close to the people who have made my life better and that has given me a personal relationship that goes far beyond the professional. Thank you so much because without you this would not have been possible and I say this from the heart.”
Carlos Alcaraz won the second singles tie 7-6 6-3 against Dutch No.1 Tallon Griekspoor.
But the Wimbledon champion and Marcel Granollers then lost the deciding doubles 7-6 7-6 Van de Zandschulp and Wesley Koolhof just after midnight local time.