Carlos Alcaraz bids an emotional adieu to Rafael Nadal

A golden tale of greatness in tennis concluded when Rafael Nadal wrapped up the last match of his professional career in Malaga. The 22-time Grand Slam champion had announced in October that the Davis Cup Finals would mark his retirement from his illustrious ATP career. As the tournament commenced on November 19, Spain faced the Netherlands in the quarter-final tie. Rafael Nadal, meanwhile, opened the tie by playing the singles fixture against Botic van de Zandschulp. While the 38-year-old presented a significant challenge, the Dutch ace beat Rafa 6-4, 6-4 to claim a 1-0 lead early in the tie.

Carlos Alcaraz pens an emotional note as compatriot Rafael Nadal bids adieu to the sport

Rafa's career, that emerged as one of the ever witnessed in the history of the sport, came back a full circle when van de Zandschulp beat him at the Davis Cup Finals. After losing his opening match of the tournament in 2004, Rafael Nadal created an unmatched streak of remianing unbeaten in 29 matches. However, the streak finally concluded in what happened to be the last match of his career. Nadal's defeat in the opening fixture didn't put Spain out of contention, as Carlos Alcaraz tried his best to stall the inevitable. 

The reigning Roland Garros champion briefly kept Spain’s hopes alive by levelling the score at 1-1 with a hard-fought 7-6 (0), 6-3 victory over Tallon Griekspoor. However, the Netherlands secured their place in the semi-finals when Wesley Koolhof and Botic van de Zandschulp edged out Alcaraz and Marcel Granollers in a tense doubles match, winning 7-6 (4), 7-6 (3). As Spain's ousting was confirmed, the heavy moments of Rafa's farewell hit the arena.

Rafael Nadal received heartfelt wishes from fans and fraternity including an emotional letter from his biggest nemesis, Roger Federer. However, Carlos Alcaraz, felt raw emotions as he saw his idol parting ways with the game. Alcaraz, who is now touted as the ideal successor of Nadal coming from Spain, registered his own profount expressions. As Spain marked an early exit from the tournament, Alcaraz noted that, "There will be many Davises, but their is just one Rafa."

"His legacy is going to be eternal. You know, he has been great for tennis, for this sport in general. It is difficult, at least for me. I don't want to think that I should continue the legacy that he has left. It is difficult, almost impossible. I will try to do my best, but right now, it's time to say, you know, just great things about Rafa, what he has done, during his career," Alcaraz expressed. "I think that he was one of the best ambassadors for tennis," he further remarked.