Nadal after the game said he would love to be remembered as “a good person from a small village in Mallorca.”
By Kehinde Okeowo
Spanish tennis star, Rafael Nadal ended his professional career in defeat after losing to Dutch counterpart, Botic van de Zandschulp in the Davis Cup Finals.
Van de Zandschulp won the game in two straight sets, 6-4 6-4 to put the Netherlands 1-0 ahead in their quarter-final tie against Spain.
Spain’s new tennis king, Carlos Alcaraz, however, levelled the tie with a 7-6 (7-0) 6-3 defeat of Tallon Griekspoor, meaning a deciding doubles would be required to settle the clash.
The loss was Nadal’s second Davis Cup defeat in singles. The first being his debut against the Czech Republic in 2004.
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Speaking after the highly intriguing match, Nadal said he would love to be remembered as “a good person from a small village in Mallorca.” after his retirement.
He said, “The titles, numbers, they’re there. People probably know that.
“The way I’d like to be remembered more is like a good person from a small village in Mallorca.”
Rafael Nadal, who won 22 Grand Slams during his career, helped Spain win the Davis Cup in 2004, 2008, 2009, 2011 and 2019.