Serena Williams said it had been an honour to witness Rafa Nadal’s tennis journey and that he would leave the game a “lasting legacy” following the Spaniard’s defeat in the final match of his glorious career. Nadal, who won 22 Grand Slam titles over the course of a career spanning more than two decades, announced his retirement last month and was a surprise pick for Spain’s opening singles match in their Davis Cup quarter-final against the Netherlands. The 38-year-old lost 6-4 6-4 to Botic van de Zandschulp and Spain eventually fell 2-1 to exit the team tournament in Malaga.
“Congratulations on a career that most won’t dare to dream of,” Williams said on Instagram alongside a video of her wearing Nadal-branded merchandise. “I feel so fortunate to have been able to play when you were playing and being great.
“You inspired me to be better, to play harder, to fight, to never give up, and to win more. No excuses, just play the sport. You legacy will never die. Wow to see your career from the beginning to today was an honour champ! Long live Rafa!”
Nadal’s Davis Cup teammate Carlos Alcaraz said Nadal had been his inspiration.
“Thanks to you I have become a professional tennis player,” Alcaraz added.
“It has been a blessing to be able to live your career as a child for whom you were an idol and then as a teammate! The best possible ambassador who leaves an eternal legacy.”
World number two Iga Swiatek reacted to a video of the Spaniard tearing up with a crying emoji and said: “Too much”, while American Coco Gauff added: “Today, I’m from Spain #Rafa.”
Australian tennis great Rod Laver said that watching Nadal compete had been a privilege.
“Your legacy will endure as one of the greatest to ever grace the game,” Laver said. “Thank you for the countless unforgettable moments and for setting a standard of excellence that will inspire generations to come.” German Boris Becker, a six-time Grand Slam champion, said he was crying as he typed out his message on social media.

Rafael Nadal factfile
Name: Rafael Nadal
Date of birth: June 3, 1986
Place of birth: Manacor, Spain
Professional debut: 2001
Career earnings: $134.9 million
ATP titles: 92
Grand Slams: 22
Australian Open: (two titles) 2009, 2022
French Open: (14 titles) 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022
Wimbledon: (two titles) 2008, 2010
US Open: (four titles) 2010, 2013, 2017, 2019
Olympic gold: 2008 (singles), 2016 (doubles)
Davis Cup: (four titles) 2004, 2009, 2011, 2019
Weeks as world number one: 209
Year-end world number one: 2008, 2010, 2013, 2017, 2019
Current world ranking: 154
Win/loss record: 1080-227

Other information
Missed numerous Grand Slams due to injury: Australian Open in 2006 (left foot) and 2013 (stomach virus); Roland Garros in 2003 (elbow) and 2004 (left ankle); Wimbledon in 2004 (left ankle), 2009 (knee), 2016 (left wrist) and 2021 (left foot); and US Open in 2012 (left knee), 2014 (right wrist) and 2021 (left foot).

Personal
• Married to Maria Francisca Perello; son, Rafael born Oct 7, 2022
• Uncle, Miguel Angel, played football for Barcelona, Real Mallorca and Spanish national team. Played in the 1994, 1998 and 2002 World Cup.
• Appeared in Shakira’s music video for a song in 2010
• Centre Court at Barcelona was renamed “Pista Rafa Nadal” in 2017