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Rafa Nadal had announced his retirement, but that didn’t make it any easier to see him say goodbye. After losing his singles match in the Davis Cup against Botic Van de Zandschulp and following Alcaraz and Granollers’ doubles defeat, the moment had come to leave professional tennis.

The ovation was thunderous, and his emotions matched it. It was impossible to hold back tears as the entire sports world and the crowd rallied behind him.

«You’re never really ready for this moment. I’m not tired of playing tennis; it’s just that my body has told me to stop—it doesn’t want to continue. It’s been a privilege to turn my hobby into my career, which has lasted longer than I ever imagined,» he said, acknowledging his physical limitations.

«I owe thanks to so many people that it’s hard to know where to begin. I’ll start with those of you here today—the fans. 20 years of a professional career where you’ve lifted me up in both the good times and the bad. I’ve been able to share so much with all of you—not just in Spain, but with tennis fans everywhere. I’ve always felt the love from everyone, but especially here in Spain,» he expressed.

«If I start naming individuals, I’ll forget someone. You’ve all been an unforgettable part of my day-to-day life these past years. I believe in continuity; what makes life better is keeping those who make you happy close to you. I’ve made few changes to my team to maintain not just a professional relationship but a personal one too. None of this would have been possible without you, and I mean that from the heart,» he admitted.

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Por siempre, RAFA ❤️💛#CopaDavis #Rafa #GraciasRafa pic.twitter.com/EGahywN4qk

— Copa Davis (@CopaDavis) November 19, 2024

«Thanks to all the organizations that keep tennis where it is today. I’m retiring from tennis, but I hope to remain a good ambassador for this sport. I’ve tried every day to improve, achieve my goals, and do so with respect, humility, and gratitude for all the good things that have come my way,» he reflected on his values in the sport.

Nadal acknowledged that his career had been far from a solo effort, highlighting the importance of his team and sponsors, whom he made a point of thanking. However, his most heartfelt words were reserved for his family: «I want to conclude by thanking my family, who have never let me down. They’ve been there when everything seemed impossible, kept me grounded when things were going well, and helped me in every way. That’s why I’m at peace with what’s to come. I’ve received an education that allows me to face the future with calmness.»

«I’ve tried to be a good person, and I hope you’ve seen me that way. Honestly, I leave the world of professional tennis having made many friends along the way. I feel at ease knowing I’ve left a legacy—not just in sports but personally. I understand the love I’ve received wouldn’t be the same if it were only about what I’ve done on the court,» he continued.

«I’ve been very fortunate. I just want to be remembered as a good person and a kid who chased his dreams… and achieved more than he ever imagined. Titles, records, and my career are not the most important things to me. I’d like to be remembered as a good person from a small town in Mallorca. I was lucky that my uncle was a tennis coach at the time, and my family helped me pursue my dream—and I became what I am,» he shared.

«Many people try, many people work hard every day, but I’ve had the good fortune in life to experience all this through tennis. I’ve achieved more than I ever dreamed,» he concluded.

The ceremony included a video featuring sports legends who wanted to share messages for this special moment. Iker Casillas, Andrés Iniesta, Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Serena Williams, Conchita Martínez, Andy Murray, David Beckham, and Raúl González addressed him from the court at the Martín Carpena arena.

His greatest rivals over the years praised his talent. «It has been an honor to be your rival. Tennis and sports will miss the incredible energy you brought to the court,» said Djokovic. «It’s been a privilege to play with you, and especially against you. One of my favorite memories is the Wimbledon final where you beat me,» added Federer, acknowledging Nadal’s extraordinary career.

David Ferrer, captain of Spain’s Davis Cup team, also paid tribute: «Everything has been said about you. You’ve set an example as a person and as the player everyone aspires to be. The best education is by example, and you’ve been ours. Some people are remembered forever, and you will be one of them.»