Rafael Nadal has lost 6-4, 6-4 to Botic van de Zandschulp of the Netherlands in the Davis Cup quarterfinals in what will be the last match of the 22-time Grand Slam champion’s career

As Rafael Nadal prepared to serve in what turned out to be the last tennis match of his career, a woman’s voice broke the silence from the stands: “You make Spain proud!” Not long after that, Nadal was wiping away tears from his face and waving goodbye to his fans.

Rafael Nadal's retirement leaves a huge gap on the court, but at least a few things he stood for will forever remain.

Tennis great Rafael Nadal announced his impending retirement from the sport on Thursday at age 38 after winning 22 Grand Slam singles titles during an unprecedented era he shared with his rivals in the so-called Big Three, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.

Nadal's late career has been a story of injuries. The long ending is a reminder of the miracle that he lasted until now

Nadal then propelled himself from world No. 199 to No. 49 in 2003, winning Challenger titles and matches at Masters 1000 events, as well as recording his first two wins over top 10 opponents – including his current coach, Carlos Moyá. The following year would be Nadal’s breakthrough on tour and cement his place as a Spanish hero.

Not surprisingly, Rafael Nadal couldn’t take a step around the grounds of the Davis Cup Final 8 in recent days without hearing requests for a handshake or a selfie. The significance of Nadal’s retirement is lost on no one inside or outside the sport he is walking away from at age 38 after a litany of injuries,

He also spent his entire career battling his own body, with Nadal’s injuries both acute and chronic carving the trajectory of his career and to an extent the way he played tennis. King of clay. Warrior.

Rafael Nadal has issued an eight-word reply to the classy tribute he received from his great rival Novak Djokovic following his retirement. The legendary Spaniard was beaten by Botic van de Zandschulp in the final match of his remarkable career at the Davis Cup Final 8 stage this week.

Everything has been calculated. Rafael Nadal's earnings on professional courts amount to 127.8 million euros, which is about 133 million dollars. On Tuesday night, Rafael Nadal's tennis career came to an end.