Rafael Nadal gives emotional farewell speech after final Davis Cup outing

Rafael Nadal has expressed his desire to be remembered not just for his tennis achievements but as a good person, following an emotional farewell in Malaga. The 38 year old's illustrious career ended after Spain's Davis Cup quarter-final defeat by the Netherlands.

In a late-night ceremony, Nadal was visibly moved as he thanked his family, team, and fans who had gathered at the Martin Carpena Arena, many waving Spanish flags in support. A touching video montage included accolades from sports legends such as Roger Federer, Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic, Serena Williams, David Beckham, Raul, Andres Iniesta, and Sergio Garcia.

Overwhelmed with emotion, Nadal said: "The titles, the numbers are there so people probably know that, but I would like to be remembered more as a good person from a small village in Majorca. I had the luck that my uncle was a tennis coach and I had a great family. Just a kid that followed their dreams, worked as hard as possible to be where I am today.

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"But a lot of people try their best every single day. I have been very lucky in the life I have had the opportunity to live, I have lived unforgettable experiences because of tennis. I’d like to be remembered as a kid that achieved more than I ever dreamed."

Despite his hopes for a fairytale ending with a sixth Davis Cup title, Nadal's career concluded differently as Botic van de Zandschulp emerged victorious.

The Dutchman shattered the dreams of Nadal and his devoted followers by claiming a definitive 6-4 6-4 victory in singles, before joining forces with Wesley Koolhof – in what was also his swansong event – to overcome Carlos Alcaraz and Marcel Granollers 7-6 (4) 7-6 (3) in a nail-biting deciding doubles match. Despite Nadal vigorously supporting his teammates from the sidelines, the Dutch pairing remained composed under the intense atmosphere.

Following the match, an evidently emotional Nadal joined the court amidst the fading cheers and chants to reflect on his illustrious career. "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," Nadal said.

"I have been able to live with Spain and with everyone, I have felt very grateful to feel the affection of all the public and especially here in Spain. I want to congratulate the Netherlands and thank the whole Spanish team that is here, who have let me play the Davis Cup again, which has not gone as we all wanted. I have given everything I had."

Delving into his profound journey, Nadal recounted the myriad of pinnacle episodes he had lived out among those present, acknowledging it as a privilege, celebrating the collective accomplishments, and encouraging the successive generation to embrace their own forthcoming triumphs.

Confronting his retirement, he confessed: "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."

Rafael Nadal's tennis journey witnessed a poignant moment as he competed with the spirited support of his parents, sister, wife, and young son cheering from the crowd. He reflected on the support system that has equipped him to handle life's challenges: "I am calm because I have received an education to face with calm what is coming now. I am calm because I have a great family around me that helps me with everything possible."

While there had been chatter that Nadal would potentially only appear in the doubles event, Captain David Ferrer ultimately selected him for the singles match as well. There was a visible emotional charge as Nadal teared up during a passionate playing of Spain's national anthem. He demonstrated his famous tenacity trying to claim a victory for his side but this time fell short.

This defeat marked only Nadal's second loss in Davis Cup singles, the first being against Jiri Novak of Czech Republic in his 2004 debut. With characteristic grace, Nadal said: "I lost my first match in the Davis Cup, and I lost my last one. So we close the circle," managing to smile through the bittersweetness of the moment.

Fellow Spanish ace Carlos Alcaraz then stepped into the fray to win his singles bout against Tallon Griekspoor with a scoreline of 7-6 (0) 6-3, keeping their team's aspirations alive. Though yearning to extend Nadal's illustrious career, Alcaraz acknowledged the weight of expectation on him: "I really wanted to do it for Rafa, and stay focused on my game, try not to think about Rafa’s last tournament, Rafa’s last match," he confessed.

At just 22, Alcaraz is seen as inheriting Nadal's towering presence in the sport. He reverently spoke of Nadal's impact: "His legacy is going to be eternal. He has been great for tennis, for this sport in general. It is difficult, at least for me. 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."