Rafael Nadal wanted to end his career with the Davis Cup as he could not cope with the injury. The Nadal chapter ended there in the quarter finals. The 38-year-old's professional tennis also ended here as the Netherlands sent Spain away.
22 Grand Slam winners lost in first singles for Spain. But his partner Carlos Alcarez won the second match. Fate is decided in doubles. A 2-1 win by the Dutch on aggregate ensured Spain's exit.
Bottic von de Jandschulp beat Nadal 6-4, 6-4 in singles. Alcarez then beat Talon Greekspur in the second match 7-6 (7-0), 6-3.
Nadal has not been able to play an official singles match since last July due to injury. As a result, there was uncertainty about his participation in this tournament as well. That disappeared when captain David Ferrer announced that Nadal would play first singles.
He was overcome with emotion during the Spanish national anthem as he saw his departure imminent. For him, the sound of 'rafa rafa' continued on the court.
Nadal was touched by this emotion during his farewell. In his response, he said, 'It was an emotional day for me. The feeling of listening to the national anthem for the last time in my professional career is really special for me.'
Nadal has a long career of 20 years. He said to the spectators, “Congratulations to the Netherlands team.” I want to thank the Spanish team for giving me the chance to play Davis Cup again. But it didn't happen the way I wanted. I tried to give my best.'
Expressing his disappointment with his fitness, Nadal said, 'The truth is no one wants to be in this condition. I am not tired at all from playing tennis. But my body doesn't want to play it anymore. You also have to accept that. I've been really lucky to have been able to stick to my hobby, my profession for so long.'
