Rafael Nadal officially ends decades-long tennis career after Spain loses to the Netherlands

Spanish Tennis icon Rafael Nadal on Tuesday ended his two-decade career with a loss to the Netherlands during the quarter finals of the Davis Cup, in Malaga, Spain.

Nadal announced his retirement last month, citing limitations because of multiple injuries he suffered in recent years, despite just being 38-years-old. The athlete, who boasts 22 grand slam titles, had already limited his matches over the past two years because of the injuries, per the Associated Press.

Fellow tennis icons, including American star Serena Williams, honored Nadal in a ceremony on Tuesday, after he played his last match against The Netherlands' Botic van de Zandschulp. 

"I feel so fortunate to have been able to play when you were playing and being great," Williams said. "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. Your legacy will never die." 

Nadal reflected on his career in a speech during the ceremony, but said he wanted to be remembered as a "good person, and a kid who followed their dream."

"I had a great family who supported me in every moment," Nadal said, ESPN reported. "I was a kid who followed their dreams, worked as hard as possible to be where I am today. At the end of the day, a lot of people try their best every single day, but I'm very lucky to have the life I have to live because of tennis."

Misty Severi is an evening news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.