I tried to do my best – Rafael Nadal bows out after Spain defeat
Rafael Nadal soaked in the emotion of a memorable but bittersweet evening in Malaga as his professional career came to an end.
Tennis Sport News
"There Is Only One Rafa": Carlos Alcaraz's Tribute To Tennis Legend Nadal
Young Spanish tennis sensation paid tribute to compatriot and legend Rafael Nadal, who bowed out of professional tennis following Davis Cup quarterfinal tie against Netherlands, saying that it has been a blessing to be able to live through his entire career, first as a child watching his idol play, then teaming up with him during his playing days. The professional tennis journey of 22-time Grand Slam champion Nadal came to an end with a straight-set loss to Netherlands' Botic van de Zandschulp by 6-4, 6-4 in the opening encounter of Spain's quarterfinal match against the Netherlands in the Davis Cup on Wednesday morning.
'Lasting legacy': Serena joins chorus marking Nadal's farewell
Serena Williams said it had been an honour to witness Rafa Nadal's tennis journey and that he would leave the game a "lasting legacy" following the Spaniard's defeat in the final match of his glorious career.
WATCH | Emotional scenes as Rafael Nadal's sensational tennis career ends
Superstar Rafael Nadal's glittering career in professional tennis came to an end on Tuesday as Netherlands eliminated Spain in the Davis Cup quarter-finals.
A Fine Bromance: Rafael Nadal's Epic Rivalry With Roger Federer
Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer's rivalry started in the sweltering heat of Miami and ended almost two decades later in tears and hand-holding in an emotional London farewell. In between, the great friends met 40 times, battling out epics on European clay, London grass and hard courts from the United States to Australia. "What a career, Rafa! I always hoped this day would never come," said 20-time Grand Slam winner Federer in a post on social media after news of Nadal's retirement broke.
Rafael Nadal vs Novak Djokovic -- The Most Contested Rivalry
Rafael Nadal's rivalry with Roger Federer will forever be remembered for a series of classic clashes, but his head-to-head record against Novak Djokovic featured more matches and was more closely fought. A record-breaking 60 meetings saw Djokovic come out on top 31 times, although Nadal won 11 of 18 Grand Slam matches. In the Open era, no men met more often on the ATP Tour, with Djokovic and Federer having played 50 times. "My greatest rival is Novak Djokovic," Nadal told Globo Esporte in a 2022 interview.
After Long Fight For Glory, Rafael Nadal Leaves With A Legacy Of Memories
Rafael Nadal, whose career ended on Tuesday when Spain were knocked out of the Davis Cup, was the "King of Clay" who also reigned on every other surface as he accumulated 22 Grand Slam titles while his even-keeled and humble demeanour, on and off the court, endeared him to rivals and legions of fans. One of his defining qualities was the astonishing ability to tough out marathon wins, but he clearly enjoyed playing and competing and showed humility in victory and poise in defeat.
No regrets for Spain captain Ferrer after Nadal's Davis Cup defeat
MALAGA, Spain : Spain's Davis Cup captain David Ferrer said he had no regrets about fielding Rafa Nadal in their quarter-final singles opener against the Netherlands on Tuesday after the 22-times Grand Slam champion fell to defeat in the last game of his career.