Gracias, Rafa | ATP Tour

Davis Cup

Thanks, Rafa

The Spanish legend says goodbye to professional tennis

November 20, 2024

“Thank you, Rafa.”

The cry was unanimous. The thousands of throats that packed the Martín Carpena Pavilion in Malaga were spokespersons for the feelings of the entire sports universe to become the warmest hug that Rafael Nadal could receive this Tuesday night, just after the end of his career was confirmed. career.

Surrounded by all his teammates, with whom he had just said goodbye to the fight for the Salad Bowl in the Davis Cup quarterfinals, the Spaniard headed to the center of the court to say his last goodbye to professional tennis.

“I have to give thanks… to so many people that it is difficult to begin,” Nadal began, when from the center of the court he was still receiving an internationally known chant that will remain forever in the history of sport: “Come on, Rafa!”

And to those voices that chanted his name, that broke their hands to applaud their idol, he addressed himself first. “Honestly, it has been 20 years of professional career in which you have always carried me along, in the good moments you helped me win the next point and in the bad moments you pushed me to continue fighting. In Spain and in the world, in general, I have felt super lucky to receive so much, so much love.”

Nadal congratulated the rival team for qualifying for the semifinals, but also his teammates, so many who have accompanied him for a good part of his journey on the circuit.

“I want to thank the entire Spanish team that is here, all of you have allowed me to play this Davis Cup. It hasn’t gone the way we wanted, I’ve given what I had,” he declared about the performance in these 8-man Finals. “Many of the most exciting moments of my career have been experienced with many of those who are here, it has been an enormous privilege. We have achieved many beautiful things together and now it is your turn to continue achieving them.”

Those words implied the delivery of his enormous legacy. Nadal makes way for the new generations, because the script of life demands it. And this is how the 38-year-old Spaniard explained it: “The reality is that one never wants to reach this moment, I am not tired of playing tennis, the body does not want to play tennis anymore.”

“We have to accept the situation, I feel super privileged, I have been able to make one of my hobbies my career, much longer than I would have imagined. “I can only give thanks to life,” he added.

Nadal did not overlook the support of his sponsors, the media, institutions and the tennis industry. Nor from the friends that this sport has given him, but, above all, he had some very special words for his loved ones. His family and closest team present in the stands.

“I am calm because I have received an education that allows me to face [esta nueva etapa] calmly, I have a great family around me that helps me,” he addressed his loved ones through tears.

Crouching in the middle of the court, Nadal continued to receive the affection of those who have surrounded him over the years through his video messages. Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray, as well as other personalities such as Serena Williams, Andrés Iniesta, Iker Casillas, David Beckham, Rodrigo Hernández, Conchita Martínez or Sergio García.

Before leaving the track, his captain, friend and teammate David Ferrer had a few last farewell words.

“We will miss you a lot, that ‘Let’s go, Rafa’ will always remain in history. You have given all the example that any person, player, wants to be,” he praised. “I always say that the best education is the example and you have been our example. There are people who are remembered for their achievements, others until the end of their days and others eternally, you will be one of these.”

November 19, 2024 will be recorded forever. The day that one of the biggest stars that has shone in the ATP Tour firmament left his last sparkles, while the entire world exclaims an eternal message: Let’s go, Rafa! Thanks, Rafa!