Rafael Nadal fought back tears after his final match, which ended in defeat during Spain’s 1-2 loss to the Netherlands in the Davis Cup. He reflected on his career and the legacy he leaves behind. 

Surrounded by 10,000 fans, including family and friends, Nadal soaked in the emotional atmosphere at Malaga's Martin Carpena Arena. It was a poignant farewell to professional tennis.

The 22-time Grand Slam winner stated to the fans, "I leave with the peace of mind that I have left a legacy, which I really feel is not just a sporting one but a personal one.". 

Nadal became emotional during Spain’s national anthem as the arena echoed with chants of “Rafa, Rafa.” Him, barely holding his tears at bay, stated, "I understand that the love I have received, if it was just for what happened on the court, would not be the same.”

In his farewell speech, Nadal recalled several key figures, including his uncle Toni Nadal, who coached him for much of his career since his formative years.

"The titles, the numbers are there, so people probably know that, but the way that I would like to be remembered more is like a good person, from a small village in Mallorca," he continued. 

“I had the luck that I had my uncle, who was a tennis coach in my village when I was a very, very small kid, and a great family that supports me in every moment. I just want to be remembered as a good person, a kid that followed their dreams and achieved (even) more than what I had dreamed.”

The 38-year-old Nadal made his Davis Cup debut in 2004 and had won 29 of his 30 matches in the competition before this final match.

A video montage shared to commemorate Nadal's career featured heartfelt messages from several former and current players, including Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, Serena Williams, and other tennis greats.

"I leave the world of professional tennis having encountered many good friends along the way," said Nadal in his emotional speech.

"I am calm because I have received an education to take on what is coming next," he explained.