It could not be. Spain died on the shore trying to avoid Rafa Nadal‘s farewell, which came much earlier than expected. In tears, the Balearic tennis player started the day overcome by the emotion of the moment in a Martin Carpena he closed the event with tears in the tribute that the organization had prepared for him.
The balearic was the protagonist from the first hour of the day with the news of his selection for the first game of the playoffs. His opponent, Botic Van de Zandschulpwho had already warned in the US Open against Alcaraz what he was capable of.
The Dutchman imposed his cutting pace based on powerful and effective strokes on the fast track of Malaga to a Nadal who admitted he could not find the good level that had been showing in training.
Double 6-4 against for the Manacor that left everything in the hands of Alcaraz. The Murcian had a double job to do. First, in the second singles match against Tallon Griekspoorin which he performed without hesitation. Then, in the double with Marcel Granollers before the specialist Wesley Koolhof and again, Botic.
Everything was open and the tension was sky-high with the possibility of knowing that Rafa Nadal’s professional life was close to an end. The Spaniard suffered biting his nails in the corner of the Spanish bench, as he watched his compatriots slip away a first set that was very close.
Decided the ‘tie break‘ and left Spain on the brink of the abyss. But neither Carlos ni Marcel were willing to let Nadal and after a miraculous rest of the Catalan finally got the desired break in the third game and ignited the Spanish fury in the team and in the stands.
But the joy was short-lived. Marcel gave up his service to a Koolhof who took the gallons of the couple and imposing his skill in the modality took the Spaniards to the limit. First Alcaraz and then Granollers knew how to suffer in their turns of serve to send, once again, the outcome of the set to the tie break.
The luck again came out with a cross for the Spaniards, putting an end to all hopes and putting end of the story to the career of the greatest Spanish athlete of all time.
The excitement overflowed in the Dutch parish while all eyes were focused fleetingly on a Rafa Nadal who embraced a dejected Carlos Alcaraz and Marcel Granollers.
The most bitter tribute
Not a pin was moved despite the defeat as they waited to pay the last tribute to Rafa Nadal. While waiting for the ceremony, the audience started shouting “I’m going to go to the “Rafa, Rafa!” joined by the entire Netherlands team.
Surrounded by the whole team, the Spaniard listened to a first video full of historical narrations of his great deeds, before taking the microphone and showing definitively that his career had come to an end. “I’ve felt lucky to have felt so much affection from everyone.” started the 22-time Grand Slam winner.
“It has been an incredible privilege and a true honor to have been able to share my last week as a professional with such a wonderful team that includes many people with whom I have shared many of my greatest joys.”
“I’m not tired of playing tennis, but my body has told me enough. I am privileged and I can only say thank you for being able to live from my hobby” he argued before thanking his team, his family, his sponsors and the media.
“I have only tried to be a good person and I hope I have succeeded. I leave with the peace of mind that I have done things in the best possible way“His last words before addressing his family for the last time on a tennis court and burst into tears before the standing ovation of a Carpena that said goodbye forever to the best athlete in the history of Spain.
No one wanted to forget his “goodbye”
Sports legends such as Djokovic, Federer, Serena Williams, Iniesta, Casillas or Rodri wanted to send him a last message in an emotional video that was reflected in the video scoreboards while tears were running down the faces of all those present.
Finally, David Ferrer, on behalf of all the tennis players released the last message. “There are athletes who will be remembered in the passage of time and there are others who will be eternal. You will be forever eternal.
Clear and forceful before receiving the last applause. Thank you Rafa.
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