Rafael Nadal Farewell: Tennis legend Rafael Nadal ends his sensational and iconic career with a defeat, as Spain have been eliminated from Davis Cup 2024 after losing 2-1 to Netherlands.
The 22-time Grand Slam winner lost to Botic van de Zandschulp 6-4; 6-4 in Game 1 of the quarter-final tie between Spain and Netherlands, and the Dutch did not read the script written by fans in Malaga, as the home crowd was left stunned with Spain's shocking exit.
Reigning Wimbledon and French Open champion, Carlos Alcaraz, won his fixture but that was not enough to grant Rafael Nadal one more match in his career, as he now retires as one of the all-time greats.
The Spanish legend could not hold his tears, as he was seen emotional during Spain's national anthem before they took on Netherlands for a place in the semi-fonal of Davis Cup 2024.
Watch the video here:
Nadal Vs Botic | As It Happened
From fan support, to those memorable backhands, forehands, down-the-line points, the match had it all. However, injuries have troubled Rafael Nadal from past 24 months, and the 38-year-old was marred by fatigue, as he lost in straight sets to bring an end to a glorious career.
Here are the highlights of Rafael Nadal's final-ever match: