Rafael Nadal's eyes welled up with tears as he waved to the crowd following the conclusion of the Davis Cup match between Spain and the Netherlands. — AFP

Rafael Nadal expressed that he has left behind both a sporting and personal legacy after announcing his retirement from professional tennis on Tuesday at the Davis Cup. The 38-year-old suffered a defeat in the opening singles rubber of the quarterfinals, as the Netherlands triumphed over Spain 2-1, advancing to the final four. Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam champion, enjoyed a remarkable and storied career spanning 23 years.

"I depart with the peace of mind that I have left a legacy, which I truly believe is not just a sporting one but a personal one," Nadal told the fans in Malaga during a ceremony honoring his retirement. "I understand that the love I have received, if it was solely for what happened on the court, would not be the same."

An emotional Nadal acknowledged the many individuals who supported him throughout his journey, including his uncle Toni Nadal, who coached him from a young age and for a significant portion of his career. "The titles, the numbers are there, so people probably know that, but the way I would like to be remembered more is as a good person, from a small village in Mallorca," Nadal continued. "I was fortunate to have my uncle, who was a tennis coach in my village when I was very young, and a great family that supported me in every moment..."

Nadal was honored with a video montage displayed on the screens around the Martin Carpena arena in Malaga, where over 10,000 fans witnessed the end of his illustrious career. Messages from former rivals such as Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, Serena Williams, and other tennis legends, as well as former Spanish football stars like Raul and Andres Iniesta, were featured in the video.

"I leave the world of professional tennis having made many good friends along the way," Nadal said in his heartfelt speech. The Spaniard expressed his hope to be a "good ambassador" for tennis in the years ahead and was not daunted by the prospect of retirement. "I am calm because I have received an education to face what is coming next," he explained. "I have a great family around me who assist me with everything I need every day."

After Nadal's loss to Botic van de Zandschulp 6-4, 6-4, Carlos Alcaraz defeated Tallon Griekspoor 7-6 (7/0), 6-3 to force a doubles decider. Van de Zandschulp and Wesley Koolhof secured a 7-6 (7/4), 7-6 (7/3) victory over Alcaraz and Marcel Granollers, marking the end of Nadal's career. World number three Alcaraz, 21, is considered one of the brightest talents in the sport and is seen by some as a potential successor to Nadal.

"His legacy is going to be eternal," Alcaraz told reporters. "He has been great for tennis, for the sport in general; it is difficult—at least for me—to feel that I should continue the legacy he has left. It is difficult, almost impossible, I will just try to do my best. Right now, it's time to say great things about Rafa..."

Nadal fought valiantly in his final match in front of a fervent home crowd but ultimately fell short. "He gave everything he had, all of his energy... it's sad to see him go, but we have to accept it," added Alcaraz. Spain's Davis Cup captain, David Ferrer, also paid tribute to Nadal. "There are people who will be remembered for their achievements in life, others until the end of their days, and others eternally," said Ferrer. "You will be remembered eternally."

Nadal thanked fans in Spain during his speech but also acknowledged the admirers he found around the world. In Paris, where he won a record 14 French Open titles and earned the nickname 'King of Clay,' his image was projected onto the night sky in front of the Eiffel Tower. "I am crying as we speak... Rafael Nadal... What an absolute icon of sport period! There will never be another one like Rafa!" wrote former world number one Boris Becker on social media platform X.

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