Rafael Nadal bid farewell to professional tennis this week in Malaga, marking an emotional moment for the Spanish legend and his devoted fans.

Rafael Nadal bid farewell to professional tennis this week in Malaga, marking an emotional moment for the Spanish legend and his devoted fans

However, the occasion was overshadowed by the absence of several key figures, leading Spain’s Davis Cup captain, David Ferrer, to express disappointment. Ferrer admitted feeling “a bit sad” about how the farewell unfolded, particularly citing the absence of prominent individuals like Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Pau Gasol.

Despite high expectations, Spain’s team, which included rising star Carlos Alcaraz, was unexpectedly defeated by the Netherlands in the quarter-finals, ending their Davis Cup run and officially confirming Nadal’s retirement. Nadal faced Botic van de Zandschulp in the opening singles match but lost in straight sets. Although Alcaraz extended the tie to a doubles decider, Spain ultimately fell short, dashing the hopes of a celebratory send-off.

Ferrer reflected on the situation with disappointment, saying, “I’m sad about everything, about how it happened, about losing the tie… it wasn’t the scenario we wanted. We were favorites, but we didn’t show it. And the farewell to someone as important as Rafa was watered down.” He went on to express that the absence of “very important people” in Nadal’s career, including key rivals and figures from his team, left a noticeable void. “I missed those people. Rafa will have a lot of time where he will be honored in big tournaments and will have the farewell he deserves.”

Among the missing was Roger Federer, who had shared the spotlight with Nadal during his own retirement at the 2022 Laver Cup, as well as Novak Djokovic. Feliciano Lopez, the tournament director, confirmed that Andy Murray had intended to attend but had to cancel due to Spain’s early exit. Instead, these tennis icons sent video messages to their long-time rival.

Ferrer acknowledged that the circumstances of Nadal’s farewell were less than ideal, explaining, “Everything has changed with the Davis Cup format. It was a Tuesday, people were coming from work. The farewell was done with the best of intentions, but it was rushed, and it was a bit sad.” He added, “I missed Federer, Djokovic, [Pau] Gasol, who is a close friend of his.” However, Ferrer was quick to emphasize that Nadal’s legacy wouldn’t be diminished by the lack of a grand farewell. “I shouldn’t have spoken. Rafa’s greatness is not going to change with a better or worse tribute.”