Overview

• Rafael Nadal ended his 23-year tennis career at the Davis Cup after a loss to Botic van de Zandschulp, marking his final match in professional tennis.
• Fans and close associates, including Nadal's coach Carlos Moya and uncle Toni Nadal, criticized the farewell as underwhelming and poorly organized, comparing it unfavorably to Roger Federer's grand send-off in 2022.
• Organizers, including ITF President David Haggerty and Davis Cup tournament director Feliciano López, defended the ceremony, stating it was designed based on Nadal's personal preferences for a low-key event.
• A video tribute featuring messages from tennis legends like Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Serena Williams was part of the ceremony, though none of them attended in person.
• Some fans have called for a more elaborate tribute in the future, while others believe Nadal's humility and legacy have already been celebrated through spontaneous moments throughout his career.