November 19th 2024.
As the Spanish national anthem began to play at the Davis Cup Finals on Tuesday, Rafael Nadal couldn't contain his emotions. The 'King of Clay' was visibly moved, tears streaming down his face, as he stood alongside his teammates in what could potentially be his last ever tennis match.
At the age of 38, Nadal had announced that he would officially retire from professional tennis once the Davis Cup came to an end. With an impressive record of 22 Grand Slam singles titles, including a record 14 at the French Open, it was clear that his retirement would mark the end of a remarkable career.
Nadal's entire family, as well as the rest of Team Spain, watched from the crowd in Malaga as he stood on the court, overcome with emotion. It was a bittersweet moment for everyone, knowing that this could be the last time they would see Nadal represent his country in a tennis match.
The Spanish athlete had confirmed his retirement just last month, stating in a heartfelt video message, "I am here to let you know I am retiring from professional tennis. The reality is that it has been some difficult years, the last two especially. I don't think I have been able to play without limitations."
Aside from his incredible success at the Grand Slams, Nadal will also be remembered for his iconic rivalry with fellow legend Roger Federer. In fact, as Federer wrote in an emotional love letter to Nadal on Tuesday, it was their intense competition that brought out the best in both of them.
Federer, who retired in 2022, reminisced about their battles on the court and the respect and admiration he had for Nadal. "You challenged me in ways no one else could," he wrote. "On clay, it felt like I was stepping into your backyard, and you made me work harder than I ever thought I could just to hold my ground."
The Swiss player also shared fond memories of Nadal's unique rituals and routines, from meticulously arranging his water bottles to adjusting his underwear with intensity. "Secretly, I kind of loved the whole thing," Federer admitted. "Because it was so unique - it was so you. And you know what, Rafa, you made me enjoy the game even more."
As their careers progressed, Federer and Nadal continued to push each other to new heights, with Federer even changing the size of his racquet head in hopes of gaining an edge over his rival. "We were both at the start of our journey and it's one we ended up taking together," Federer wrote. "Twenty years later, Rafa, I have to say: What an incredible run you've had."
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