Rafael Nadal breaks down in tears after last-ever match as heartbroken world of tennis says goodbye to legend

RAFAEL NADAL and the tennis world broke down in tears as the legend retired following the last match of his extraordinary career.

The Spanish superhero, 38, hung up his racquet for good on Wednesday following his country’s exit in the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga.

Nadal, who has struggled with injuries in recent years, was beaten 6-4 6-4 by Botic van de Zandchulp in the opening rubber.

And that proved to be the final match of his extraordinary career as despite Carlos Alcaraz winning his singles match, Spain lost the deciding doubles and were knocked out by the Netherlands.

So after 23 years as a professional, 22 Grand Slams including 14 French Opens, 209 weeks as the world No1, 1,080 singles wins, two Olympics gold medals and £107million in prize money, Nadal crossed the finish line on one of the greatest runs we have witnessed in any sport, let alone just in tennis.

Nadal, who got emotional during the national anthem before the start of play, was given a heroic send-off by his team-mates and adoring home fans.

A four-and-a-half-minute video was played over the big screen with classy tributes from fellow tennis stars Serena Williams, Andy Murray, Conchita Martinez, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer.

Spanish footballers Rodri, Iker Casillas, Andres Iniesta and Raul, golfer Sergio Garcia and ex-Real Madrid man David Beckham also featured.

Nadal teared up watching the montage, which also featured many of his illustrious career highlights from the breakout teenage star to Davis Cup glories for Spain to his remarkable 2022 Australian Open victory, coming from two sets down to beat Daniil Medvedev in the final.

Then he – and many in the crowd including his doting wife Mery – were forced to wipe away the waterworks before he spoke on the court following confirmation of the end.

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Asked how he wanted to be remembered, the man from Manacor replied: “The titles and the numbers are there so people probably know that.

“But what I want to be remembered more for is as a good person from a small village in Mallorca.

“I was just a kid who followed their dreams, worked as hard as possible to be where I am today and, being honest, I have been very lucky with the life I’ve had the opportunity to live.

“I achieved more than what I ever dreamed.”

Nadal added to the crowd who chanted “Rafa, Rafa” throughout the tie: “It has been 20 years of a professional career in which you have carried me through the good times, and in the bad, you pushed me to keep playing.

“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.

“Of course, it has been an emotional day and I felt nerves before the match.

“I tried my best, I tried to enjoy and play with the right energy and the right attitude.”

Nadal mouthed “gracias” to the crowd during a minute-long standing ovation and bit his lip to stop himself from bursting into floods of tears – before blowing kisses to the 11,500 fans packed into the Palacio de Deportes arena on his final exit from the tennis court.

And as the curtain came down on the King of Clay, plenty of tennis’ biggest names took to social media to thank Nadal for all he has done for the sport and wish him all the best in retirement – following on from “fan” Federer’s beautiful open letter to his great friend posted before the Davis Cup finale.

Serena wrote: “Why am I getting so choked up. With @RafaelNadal
retirement. I’m not good at goodbyes.”

Coco Gauff said: “Today, I am from Spain,” as she celebrated the country’s icon.

Boris Becker tweeted: “I am crying as we speak… @RafaelNadal what an absolute icon of sport period! There will never be another one like Rafa! Role model for so many kids all around the world! Gracias Rafa.”

Maria Sharapova added: “No one like you, Rafa. I have so much respect for your grit, your love of the ‘fight’, and the pure class with which you showed up, even on a tough day.”

Rod Laver commented: “Rafa, watching you compete has been a privilege. Your legacy will endure as one of the greatest to ever grace the game.

“Thank you for the countless unforgettable moments and for setting a standard of excellence that will inspire generations to come. Wishing you happiness and success in this next chapter.”

The Nike logo and Nadal’s signature bull symbol – a nod to his relentless fighting spirit – were lit up beside the Eiffel Tower, four months after he carried the Olympic flame during the Paris 2024 opening ceremony, just a few miles from the site of his 14 Roland Garros successes.

And while Nadal knows his name is etched in tennis history forever, it is a striking and significant reminder of his humility and class as a player and as a man that his overriding wish is to be remembered as a “good person from a small village in Mallorca”.

Yes, Nadal will always be more than that – but he will also never be less than that.