Rafael Nadal in tears as Federer, Djokovic and Murray come forward with final messages
Rafael Nadal officially ended his career at the Davis Cup Finals as Spain lost their quarter-final tie.
Tearful Rafael Nadal bid an emotional farewell to tennis and declared: “I would like to be remembered more as 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.
