Rafael Nadal’s legendary career concluded in emotional fashion as Spain fell to the Netherlands in the Davis Cup quarter-finals.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion announced last month that the Davis Cup would mark his final professional appearance.

Playing before a buoyant and hopeful home crowd, the 38-year-old lost 6-4, 6-4 to Botic van de Zandschulp.

Carlos Alcaraz levelled things up with a 7-6 (7-0), 6-3 victory over Tallon Griekspoor. However, Alcaraz and Marcel Granollers were defeated in a nail-biting doubles match by Van de Zandschulp and Wesley Koolhof to send Spain packing.

The messages have poured out in their dozens leading up to and in the aftermath of Nadal’s defeat, with the new generation quick to pay their respects.

Jannik Sinner sends Rafael Nadal thank you message

Nadal’s retirement has inspired heartfelt tributes from some of the sport’s biggest stars.

World number one Jannik Sinner expressed gratitude for being part of Nadal’s journey, saying, “Thank you for everything you’ve done for our sport. It’s been amazing for me personally to be part of the last bit of your journey.

“I wish you only the best for the rest of your career and life with your family and friends.”

Sinner never managed to overcome Rafael Nadal during their three career meetings, all of which were played on clay.

Nadal won every set they contested, with their most recent encounter at the 2021 French Open seeing the 14-time Roland Garros champion triumph 7-5, 6-3, 6-0.

Daniil Medvedev and Taylor Fritz send tributes to Rafael Nadal

Daniil Medvedev reflected on Nadal’s remarkable versatility, remarking: “I just want to thank you for all these years when I watched you on TV first and then managed to play some matches and finals against you. Hopefully you enjoyed our battles as much as I enjoyed them – such a legend of our sport.

“What really impressed me when I was young is: we were talking about you as kind of ‘Ok, he’s very good on clay, but let’s see on grass, let’s see on hard courts,’ and you managed to prove on every surface that you can be better than anyone… Congrats on your career.”

Meanwhile, Taylor Fritz emphasized Nadal’s impact on younger generations and his legendary status on clay.

“You’re one of the people that was winning everything when I was growing up as a kid. Thank you for what you’ve done for the sport, and you’re always going to be the clay ‘goat’,” he said.

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