Rafael Nadal says goodbye in emotional home farewell

“It's in some ways good. I lost my first match in the Davis Cup, and I lost my last one. So we close the circle,” laughed Nadal, whose singles record in the competition is a remarkable 29-2.

The former world No.1 did indeed “close the circle” on Tuesday, but not because he lost. He closed it because he left the sport the same way he entered it: fist-pumping, vamos-ing, and fighting ‘til the bitter end.

The 14-time Roland-Garros champion may not have gotten the fairytale goodbye we see in the movies. But battling for Spain in front of an 11,000-capacity home crowd, with his teammates on the bench, his wife, son and rest of his family right behind them, and ‘Raaaaafa, Raaaafa’ chants ringing through the arena, felt like a perfect send-off for one of the greatest athletes, and competitors, of all-time.

Carlos Alcaraz tried to salvage the quarter-final tie for Spain, defeating Tallon Griekspoor in the second singles clash, but the hosts ultimately fell to the Dutch when Alcaraz and Marcel Granollers fell to Van de Zandschulp and Wesley Koolhof in two tiebreak sets.

In an emotional ceremony after the conclusion of the tie, Nadal was handed over a microphone to share his thoughts.

“You never want to get to this point. I'm not tired of playing tennis. The body has reached a point where it doesn't want to go on and I have to accept the situation. I feel privileged to have extended my career longer than I expected,” he said in Spanish.

“I leave with the peace of mind of feeling that I have left a legacy because of the love I have received around the world beyond the tennis court. Thank you for everything.”

A tribute video was played on the big screens at Martin Carpena Arena, with heartfelt messages from legends like Serena Williams, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, Raul Gonzalez, Iker Casillas, David Beckham, Andres Iniesta and many more.

“The passion and intensity that you played with was something, I think, all tennis players aspire to and what all tennis fans will remember you for. It’s been incredible watching you,” said Murray in the video.

Nadal started the evening choking up during Spain’s national anthem ahead of the tie, and finished it full of gratitude for all the love sent his way, from fans and peers alike.

Asked on court what he hopes his legacy would be, the 22-time Grand Slam champion kept it simple.

“The titles, the numbers, are there, so people probably know that. But the way that I would like to be remembered more is like a good person from a small village in Mallorca. Just a kid that followed his dreams, worked as hard as possible to be where I am today and at the end of the day,” said the 38-year-old.

‘His legacy is eternal’

After getting broken early in the contest, Alcaraz fought off Griekspoor 7-6(0), 6-3 to keep the tie alive against the Dutch team and later said on court he “did it for Rafa”.

The four-time major champion paid homage to his idol and teammate, dismissing the idea he should focus on keeping Nadal’s legacy going.

“I think he was one of the best ambassadors for tennis. His legacy is going to be eternal. He has been great for tennis, for this sport in general,” said the 21-year-old from Murcia.

“I don't want to think that I should continue the legacy that he has left. It is difficult, almost impossible. I will try to do my best, but right now, it's time to say just great things about Rafa, what he has done during his career.

“Probably he was one of the players that put tennis in the top of sport, in the top of the world.

“So it is just great to have had Rafa in tennis, in Spain, and in my life.”

Spain captain David Ferrer, who shared countless memories with Nadal, both as a teammate and an opponent, said it best no court during the tribute ceremony.

“There are people who will be remembered for their achievements in life, others until the end of their days, and others eternally. You will be remembered eternally,” said Ferrer.