Rafael Nadal Retirement: Nadal, who has traveled for more than 20 years on the tennis court, will no longer be seen holding a racket in professional matches. This was the last tournament of twenty-two-time Grand Slam champion Nadal. Netherlands player Boteach Van de Zandsculp defeated Rafael Nadal 6-4, 6-4 in the Davis Cup singles match in Malaga, Spain. During the entire match the spectators were shouting ‘Rafa..Rafa..Rafa..’ A ceremony was also organized at the center court in honor of his brilliant career. When the video showing highlights of his career was played, Nadal’s eyes filled with tears. Rafa had announced his retirement on Twitter on October 10 itself.
‘King of Clay Court’ Rafael Nadal won 92 titles in his career, of which 22 were Grand Slams. On his two-decade career, he said, “The reality is that no one wants this moment in their career. I am not tired of playing tennis but my body does not want to play anymore and I have to accept the situation. I’m lucky to have been able to turn my hobby into a career and have played for longer than I ever thought possible. I will be forever grateful to those people who followed me in this journey.
Tennis gave me the life I wanted…
Rafael became the world number 1 player in 2008 and this crown remained on his head for 201 weeks. Rafael has won 112 out of 116 tennis matches played on clay courts. Nadal, who has won $13,49,46,100 in prize money in his entire career, said in English, “There are titles and statistics, maybe people know them, but I am remembered as a good citizen of my small village in Majorca. Would like to go. Where I had the privilege of having my uncle as my tennis coach. I had a wonderful family who supported me every moment. I was a kid who chased my dreams. I worked as hard as I could to get where I am today. Really, a lot of people give their best every day, but I’m very fortunate that because of tennis I got to live the life I wanted to live. ,
After the ceremony, Nadal hugged his teammates and walked out, accepting their greetings with both hands. Netherlands defeated Spain 2-1 and entered the semi-finals. After the defeat, Spain captain David Ferrer said that he was speaking on behalf of Spanish tennis and world tennis. You know very well what importance Nadal has in the tennis world. We will miss you. Rafa, Rafa’s noise will always be a part of history. Earlier, Roger Federer also made an emotional post on the announcement of Rafael’s retirement. In this he said that before he gets emotional, he wants to say a few things. Roger said that you have defeated me a lot. Because of you I enjoyed the game even more.
Also read: You beat me a lot, Federer wrote emotional things on Nadal’s retirement
