Rafa Nadal Says Goodbye To Tennis

Matt McNulty. Getty Images.

When it comes to sports, it really doesn't get sadder than witnessing an all-time great hang em' up once and for all. Today that moment came for Rafael Nadal. 

Rafa decided his final professional competition would come at the Davis Cup, which is essentially the World Cup of tennis. He wanted to go out playing for his home country. Today Spain faced off against the Netherlands in the quarterfinals. Best of three matches with each match out of three sets. Two singles and one doubles match if required. Rafa was up first against Botic van de Zandschulp, the same fella who knocked out Carlos Alcaraz of the US Open back in September. Rafa got choked up during the national anthem. 

The match included a few vintage Rafa points followed by signature first pumps. 

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Unfortunately he's just nowhere near his old self when it comes to physicality and consistency. Botic dispatched him in straights sets to put Spain and Rafa on the brink. That left it up to who but Carlos Alcaraz to win his singles match and extend Spain's life in the tournament. 

Obviously he did just that

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Imagine that? You grow up idolizing someone, end up rising to the top of that sport, and are left with the responsibility to win your match so his career extends for just a little bit longer. No pressure kid.

Carlos' singles win left it up to doubles. Now based on Rafa's quotes following the match, he might not have played in the semifinals anyways, but the Netherlands came through to advance and eliminate Spain in the doubles match. With that, the tennis career of Rafael Nadal ended. He spoke to the crowd for a good amount of time afterwards. It was his moment. 

Sad day for tennis, but one that was bound to come one of these days. Have to respect Rafa for not wanting to do a retirement tour. He said physically he could probably do that in 2025 and and get a bunch of standing ovations, but he doesn't have the ego for it. Going out playing for his country was plenty enough for his soul. Would have been ideal to go out on top, with a slam win at Roland Garros, but the body just wouldn't allow it sadly. 

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One of the great competitors in sports history has retired. The big 4 of Rafa, Federer, Murray, and Djokovic is down to one. Congrats on a great career Rafa. 112-4 at the French Open will always be a record my jaw drops at. The King of Clay. 

P.S. Federer's good bye was awesome and genuine. While they had a fierce rivalry during their playing days, they've always maintained a ton of respect for each other.