Rafael Nadal's pro tennis career ends in loss to Dutch Davis Cup duo

Rafael Nadal’s professional tennis career ended with the Dutch tennis duo’s victory in the quarterfinals of the Davis Cup. It was already clear that Nadal would retire after the tournament in Málaga, but which match would be his last depended on the outcome.

Nadal lost two sets to Botic van de Zandschulp (6-4, 6-4), ending a 29-match winning streak in the Davis Cup singles matches over 20 years. Carlos Alcaraz kept hopes alive for Nadal by beating Tallon Griekspoor in the second singles match, but the Netherlands defeated Spain in the decisive doubles match, according to NOS.

Wesley Koolhof and Van der Zandschulp sealed the fate of Spain and Nadal, beating Alcaraz and Marcel Granollers 7-6 (4), 7-6 (3).

After the doubles match, Nadal was given an extensive and emotional tribute. Initially, the 38-year-old 22-time Grand Slam champion couldn’t manage anything more than “gracias” in between the applause, but he did end up speaking at length.

“I’d like to be remembered as a kid that achieved more than I ever dreamed,” Nadal said, according to BBC. “I have been very lucky in the life I have had the opportunity to live. I have lived unforgettable experiences because of tennis. I was just a kid who followed their dreams, worked as hard as possible to be where I am today. The way I’d like to be remembered most is as a good person from a small village in Mallorca.”