He November 19, 2024 It will be an unforgettable meeting for Rafa Nadal and for the world of tennis. In front of a crowd Martin Carpena from Malaga With more than 10,000 spectators, the Balearic tennis player ended his professional career in a moving farewell marked by the elimination of Spain in Davis Cup quarter-finals. Even if the result was not as expected, the tribute received reaffirmed his status as a sporting legend.
Since his first professional victory in ATP 250 in Mallorca in 2002when I barely had 15 yearsuntil this last match, Rafa Nadal constructs a unique trajectory. With 92 titlesincluding 22 Grand Slams (14 Roland Garros, 2 Australian Open, 4 US Open and 2 Wimbledon), and two Olympic gold medalsNadal is one of best tennis players in history. Added to this are five Davis Cups, a special competition for him, because it is aimed at teams and represents Spain.
It was precisely in the Davis Cup, where he made his debut in 2004, that he said goodbye twenty years later. In his last match, he faced the Dutch Botic van de Zandschulpwho beat him in two sets (6-4, 6-4). Even though Nadal failed to shine like in his best moments, his greatness as an athlete was recognized by everyone present.
The Martín Carpena Pavilion in Malaga, during Rafael Nadal’s farewell
A tribute full of emotions
After his defeat, Nadal, From the bench, he cheered on his teammates for the rest of the match, which ended with Spain being eliminated. However, the result did not tarnish the tribute that the organization had prepared for him. Surrounded by his team, colleagues like Carlos Alcaraz And Roberto Bautistaand the selector David FerrerNadal received the affection of the public and the entire tennis community.
With a heartfelt speech, the Spaniard thanked the fans for their unconditional support throughout his career. “You’ve been training me for twenty years. In the good times, you helped me win the next point, and in the bad times, you pushed me to keep fighting.” said Nadal, visibly moved. He also expressed his gratitude to his team, emphasizing the importance of maintaining deep personal relationships that go beyond the professional.
“I leave with the peace of mind of having – in a certain way – left a sporting and personal legacy.”
You are very tall, @RafaelNadal 🥹.#ElLegadoDeRafa pic.twitter.com/2MKfd9GUft
– Movistar Plus+ (@MovistarPlus) November 19, 2024
“You never want to get to that moment. I’m not tired of playing tennis, but the body doesn’t want more and you have to accept it. “I feel privileged to have made my hobby my profession for so many years,” he confessed.
On court, Nadal received a commemorative plaque from David Haggerty, president of the International Tennis Federation, and Miguel Díaz, president of the Spanish Tennis Federation.
There are no words enough to thank you for what you have done for the sport.
Thank you Rafa ❤️@RafaelNadal | #RafaAlways
-ATP Tour (@atptour) November 19, 2024
Arms raised and visibly excited, Nadal received a final ovation from the Spanish public. His farewell marks the end of a golden age for tennis, but also the beginning of a new stage in his life. “I am calm because I have a great family and a team that helps me with everything I need. “I’m ready for whatever happens,” he said.
Rafa Nadal leaves an indelible legacy to professional tennis, both for his sporting exploits and for his human values. His impact transcends the slopes and stands out as a source of inspiration for present and future generations. Even if he hangs up his racket, his example and his story will continue to be an eternal reference in world sport.
Discurso de despedida
Buenas noches,
Las gracias las tengo que dar yo, porque es difícil expresar todo lo que siento. Empezaré por los que están aquí: el público. Sinceramente, han sido 20 años de carrera profesional en los que me habéis llevado en volandas en los momentos buenos, y en los malos me habéis empujado a seguir jugando. He podido compartir esta experiencia con España y con todo el mundo. Me he sentido profundamente agradecido por el cariño de todos los aficionados, especialmente aquí en España.
Quiero continuar felicitando a Países Bajos y agradecer a todo el equipo español que está aquí. Me habéis permitido jugar otra vez la Copa Davis, aunque no haya salido como todos esperábamos. He dado todo lo que tenía dentro, y os agradezco profundamente esta oportunidad. Estos últimos días como profesional en equipo me han permitido repasar momentos clave de mi carrera. Muchos de esos momentos importantes los he vivido con vosotros, los que estáis aquí. Ha sido un privilegio. Juntos hemos conseguido cosas preciosas y ahora os toca a vosotros seguir logrando más. Estoy seguro de que llegarán grandes éxitos.
La realidad es que uno nunca quiere que este momento llegue. No estoy cansado de jugar al tenis, pero mi cuerpo ya no quiere continuar, y eso hay que aceptarlo. Me siento un auténtico privilegiado. He podido convertir mi hobby en mi profesión durante muchísimo tiempo. También quiero recordar a mi familia y a mi equipo. Habéis sido una parte inolvidable de mi vida durante todos estos años. Soy una persona que cree en la continuidad y en estar cerca de quienes han hecho mi vida mejor. Eso me ha permitido tener una relación personal que trasciende lo profesional. Mil gracias, porque sin vosotros esto no habría sido posible, y lo digo de corazón.
Para mí, esta ha sido una historia con momentos malos, pero la mayoría han sido buenos e inolvidables. Gracias también a los medios de comunicación por haber sido parte de mi camino.
A todas las organizaciones que hacen que el deporte siga en la cima y que el tenis continúe moviendo masas: gracias. Soy un apasionado del tenis, y aunque me retire del ámbito profesional, seguiré aquí. Espero ser un buen embajador de este deporte, como he intentado ser cada día. He tratado de cumplir objetivos desde el respeto, la humildad y el aprecio por las cosas buenas. Creo que lo más importante en este mundo es ser buena persona, y espero haber transmitido eso. Me voy del tenis profesional con la tranquilidad de haber dejado una huella, no solo deportiva, sino también personal.
De verdad, muchísimas gracias por todo. Quiero despedirme dedicando mis últimas palabras a mi familia, que nunca me ha fallado. Han estado conmigo en los momentos difíciles, y en los buenos me han mantenido con los pies en el suelo. Gracias a eso, estoy preparado para enfrentar lo que venga en el futuro. Estoy tranquilo porque he recibido una educación que me permite afrontar con serenidad esta nueva etapa. Tengo la fortuna de contar con una familia maravillosa que me apoya en todo, y eso hace que todo sea más llevadero.
Gracias de corazón.
Tras el emotivo discurso de Nadal, el Martín Carpena, y un emocionado Nadal, vieron un vídeo protagonizado por figuras del deporte como Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Iker Casillas, David Beckham, Sergio García o Serena Williams.
Los mensajes destacaron su legado, valores e inspiración. Casillas agradeció “las alegrías y emociones” que Nadal brindó, mientras Raúl González lo calificó como “el mejor deportista de la historia”.
Djokovic highlighted his “tenacity and energy”, and Del Potro, Williams And Conchita Martinez They praised his impact on tennis. Surrounded by his family and with the support of the public, Nadal, Visibly moved, he listened to the words of admiration which marked the end of his professional career.
Rafael Nadal bids farewell to professional tennis after Spain’s Davis Cup defeat
After a moving tribute video and a few heartfelt words from David FerrerSpanish Davis Cup captain, Rafael Nadal could not contain his emotion. The Spaniard, who had kept his cool during much of the tribute, burst into tears when Ferrer, from the center of the court, dedicated a few words to him full of admiration and affection.
“I don’t want to forget the people who have been by your side, who have allowed you to be who you are, both personally and professionally. We will miss you very much” Ferrer said in front of Nadal, face to face.
David Ferrer says goodbye to Rafa Nadal
It was a heartbreaking moment: Nadal let tears flow, while in the box his wife, his parents and his sister were also deeply moved. Ferrer continues his message: “Everything has been said about you. You have been an example as a person and as a player. The best education is example, and you have been our example. In conclusion, there are people who will be remembered forever, and you will be remembered forever.”
The moment culminated with an intense embrace between Nadal and Ferrer, symbolizing not only mutual respect, but also the legacy that both leave to Spanish and world tennis. Nadal then returned to the center of the court to thank the crowd, who bid him farewell with a standing ovation, thus closing an indelible chapter in the history of the sport.
The tribute ended with a final goodbye to tennis player Rafael Nadal and a resounding “Hello!” to the legend who, without a doubt, will remain forever in the collective memory of tennis and world sport.
