Nadal takes final bow: ‘Super fortunate to receive so much affection’

“Gracias, Rafa!”

The thousands of fans packing out Malaga’s Palacio de Deportes José María Martín Carpena chanted in unison on Tuesday evening, vocalising the feelings of the entire sporting world to become a wall of affection for Rafael Nadal, whose glittering career had just concluded.

Surrounded by his teammates, with whom he had just bowed out of the battle for the famous Salad Bowl in the quarter-finals of the Davis Cup, the Spaniard addressed the centre court with his final farewell to professional tennis.

“I’m the one who should be thankful... to so many people that it’s difficult to know where to start,” began Nadal, while the universally unmistakable “Vamos, Rafa!” chant rang out.

It was to those singing his name, giving their hero a standing ovation, that he first spoke. “Honestly, it’s been 20 years of a professional career in which you have always buoyed me, during good moments you helped me win the next point and in difficult moments you pushed me to keep fighting. In Spain and in the world in general, I’ve felt super fortunate to receive so much affection.”

Nadal congratulated the opposing team for progressing to the semi-finals, but also his teammates, so many of whom were with him for a large stretch of his time on tour.

“I’d like to thank the entire Spanish team who are here. All of you have allowed me to play in this Davis Cup. It didn’t turn out as we wanted, I gave everything I had,” he said of their performances in the Final 8. “Many of the most emotional moments of my career have been with many of the people who are here, it’s been a huge privilege. We’ve achieved so many amazing things together and now it’s time for you all to keep achieving them.”

The words represented the handing over of the baton and the conclusion of his incalculable legacy. Nadal has made way for the new generations, as every great sportsman must do. The 38-year-old explained: “The reality is that you never want this moment to come, I’m not tired of playing tennis, but my body doesn’t want to play tennis anymore.

“You have to accept the situation, I feel super privileged. I’ve been able to make one of my hobbies into my career, and it was much longer than I would have imagined. I can only be grateful to life,” he added.

Nadal did not forget his sponsors, the press, the tennis institutions and the tennis industry. He also had words for the friends he has found in the sport, but above all, he had a very special message for those closest to him, his family and team, who were in the stands.

There are no words to thank you enough for what you’ve done to the sport.

Gracias, Rafa ❤️@RafaelNadal | #RafaSiempre

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“I’m calm because I received an education that allows me to approach [my new life] with peace of mind. I have a great family around me who help me,” he said to his loved ones with a tear in his eye.

Squatting in the middle of the court, Nadal then watched video messages of affection from many of those who have been around him throughout his career. Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray, as well as the likes of Serena Williams, Andrés Iniesta, Iker Casillas, David Beckham, Rodrigo Hernández, Conchita Martínez and Sergio García.

Before leaving the court, his captain, friend and teammate, David Ferrer, gave him a final send-off.

“We’ll miss you so much, that ‘Vamos, Rafa!’ will never be forgotten. You’ve provided a role model for any person or player to aspire to,” he said. “I always say that the best way to learn is by example and you’ve been our example. There are people who are remembered for their achievements, some until the end of their lives, and others eternally. You will be the latter.”

19 November 2024 will forever be remembered as the day that one of the biggest stars ever to grace the ATP Tour had his swansong. Meanwhile, the entire sporting world chants in unison: ‘Vamos Rafa! Gracias, Rafa!’