MÁLAGA, NOV 20 – Rafael Nadal said he has left behind a sporting and personal legacy after retiring from professional tennis at the Davis Cup yesterday.
The 38-year-old was beaten in the opening singles match of the quarter-finals as the Netherlands beat Spain 2-1 to reach the last four.
Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam winner, has enjoyed an illustrious and historic career spanning the past 23 years.
“I leave with the peace of mind that I have left a legacy, which I actually feel is not just sporting but also personal,” Nadal told fans in Malaga in a speech at a ceremony honoring his retirement.
“I understand that the love I received, if it was only for what happened on the court, would not be the same.”
Nadal credits many who have helped him along the way, including his uncle Toni Nadal, who coached him as a child and for most of his career.
“The number of titles won is there, so people probably already know, but I want to be remembered more as a good person, from a small village in Mallorca,” continued Nadal.
“I was lucky to have my uncle who was a tennis coach in my village when I was little, and a great family who supported me every moment…
“I just want to be remembered as a good person, a kid who chased his dreams and achieved (even) more than he dreamed of.”
Nadal was celebrated with a video montage shown on many screens around the Martin Carpena arena in Malaga where more than 10,000 fans watched his career come to an end.
Former rivals Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, Serena Williams and other tennis players left messages in the video, along with former Spanish soccer stars including Raul and Andres Iniesta, who retired from playing in October.
“I left the world of professional tennis having met many good friends along the way,” said Nadal in his emotional speech.
The Spaniard said he hopes to be a ‘good ambassador’ for tennis in the coming years and is not afraid to start his retirement.
“I’m calm because I’m getting an education to face what’s to come,” he explained.
“I have a great family around me who help me with everything I need every day.”
Meanwhile, world number three Alcaraz, 21, is one of the game’s brightest talents and is expected to be Nadal’s successor.
“His legacy will last forever,” Alcaraz told reporters.
“He was great in tennis, , it’s hard for me to continue the legacy he left behind.
“He gave everything he had, all his energy… it’s sad to see him go but we have to accept it,” added Alcaraz. – AFP
