From First to Last: Nadal Reflects on Davis Cup Losses as His Career Comes Full Circle

Rafael Nadal bid an emotional farewell to tennis at the Davis Cup Finals after losing to Botic van de Zandschulp, completing a full circle of his career as he lost his first match at the tournament in 2004 and wrapped up his glittering two-decade-long career with a loss.

Even before a ball had been hit, the 38-year-old Nadal was full of emotions when he felt the tears welled in the eyes of the 22-time Grand Slam champion while the Spanish team lined up for their national anthem.

Zandschulp won easily 6-4, 6-4 over Nadal to give the Netherlands a 1-0 lead in their Davis Cup quarterfinal against Spain. He then teamed with Wesley Koolhof for a 7-6(4), 7-6(3) doubles victory against Carlos Alcaraz and Marcel Granollers.
The Dutch duo remained clutch at decisive moments to help their country take a 2-1 victory after Carlos Alcaraz had dispatched Tallon Griekspoor in the second singles rubber.

After Spain lost 2-1 to the Netherlands, Nadal received a rapturous standing ovation in emotional scenes with the home crowd chanting his name as he took in the moment.

Nadal spoke to the packed arena, where fans were singing his name, *Rafa.Rafa.*, "It's in some ways good maybe if that was my last match. I lost my first match in the Davis Cup, and I lost my last one, so we close the circle," he said.

The last time Spain played the Netherlands in Davis Cup was in the quarterfinal in 2004 – the same year Nadal made his break onto the international stage 20 years ago at the Davis Cup as an 18-year-old. He was called up to play for Spain for the first time that year and contributed singles wins that helped guide his nation to a second title.

Then, Nadal won three more Davis Cup finals, in 2009, 2011, and 2019, and 22 Grand Slams, along with two Olympic gold medals.

A compilation video was seen on court by an emotional Nadal as sports stars, including David Beckham, Iker Casillas, and Andres Iniesta, wished him well for an incredible career.

His great tennis rivals, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray, all came out to wish him well in retirement.

When asked how he would like to be remembered in the future, Nadal said he wanted to be remembered more simply. "I would like to be remembered as a good person, from a small village in Mallorca."

"Luck has been such that my uncle was a coach for tennis when I was a very small kid and a great family who had the chance to support me in every moment.".

Just a kid that followed their dreams, worked as hard as possible to be where I am today. At the end of the day a lot of people work hard and try their best every single day, but I am one of these that have been very lucky to have the life I've been able to live and experience because of tennis.".

I want to be remembered as a good person, a kid that followed their dreams and achieved more than what I ever dreamed," he added.

Before leaving the court, a final send-off was sent his way by the one and only captain, friend, and teammate, David Ferrer.

"We're going to miss you so much, and the moment we hear a "Vamos, Rafa!" will never be forgotten. You've given us a role model to aspire to for any person or player. I always say that learning is only by example; you have been our example. There are persons remembered for what they achieved in their lifetime; others, until the day of their death. Others, eternally. You'll be the latter," he said.

Injury has haunted the latter part of Nadal's career, though, and he hasn't played a tour-level match since the Paris Olympic Games in August, where he lost in the second round to his longtime on-court rival, Novak Djokovic. Because of ongoing injuries plaguing the body, he had only played 19 matches this season.

A 92-time tour-level champion, who spent 209 weeks at No. 1 in the ATP Rankings, Nadal has been one of the leading lights on the ATP Tour since turning pro in 2001. His 22 Grand Slam titles tally includes a record 14 crowns at Roland Garros. He also has four US Open titles and has won both the Australian Open and Wimbledon twice.