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Rafael Nadal is enjoying some rest after playing the last official event of his career in Malaga.

The Spanish legend certainly hoped to get a better result at the Davis Cup Finals at the end of November, but Spain disappointed expectations and was eliminated already in the quarterfinals against all odds

The 22-time Grand Slam champion decided to end his career at the age of 38, knowing that he had given his all at all times and that it was the right time to start a new phase of his life.

The former world No. 1 played only 20 matches in 2024 and never gave the feeling that he could compete against the best players in the world, also having to miss several tournaments due to the usual injuries.

Rafa practiced hard to get fit at the French Open and the Paris Olympics, the last two big goals of his legendary career.

However also due to a not particularly lucky draw the Spaniard was eliminated in the first round and second round respectively.

As if that were not enough, the day before the match against Novak Djokovic at the Olympics Nadal suffered a new injury that prevented him from competing to the best of his ability.

The 14-time French Open champion took some time to decide his future, but he accepted reality with great serenity and received many tributes in recent weeks.

The legend from Manacor has not only won many titles during his career, but has also been a role model for all those who have approached tennis.

The former Spanish champion played every point as if it were the last of his life, he never gave up in the face of injuries and difficulties, constantly pushing himself beyond his limits.

According to FITP president Angelo Binaghi, Nadal is undoubtedly the best player ever.

“The best of all, by far, especially off the court”

“In 24 years I have crossed paths with him many times, between one tournament and another.

And Nadal is truly a special tennis player a true gentleman, polite, beloved by the fans, someone who has given so much to tennis and has inspired generations to be passionate about it.

In my opinion even more than Federer, who in person, in my experience, does not have the same kindness and sympathy as Nadal.

And the same goes for Djokovic certainly the best tennis player in the world, but who in my opinion does not have the sporting and human depth of Nadal” he concluded.

What's next for Rafa?
His last dance was not as he would have liked, also because of his physical condition.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion has suffered several defeats against players far inferior to him and not even his beloved red clay has saved him in the most difficult moments.

No one knows if Rafa will have a role on the professional tour even after his retirement.

Nadal is unlikely to follow in Andy Murray's footsteps and become a coach, although many want him to give some advice to his young compatriot Carlitos Alcaraz.

The two Spanish champions have spent a lot of time together this year, especially during the Paris Olympics and the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga.

The 14-time French Open champion has praised the 21-year-old from Murcia several times and promised that he will always be available if he needs advice.

The 4-time Grand Slam champion has a more varied game than his illustrious compatriot, but he does not have the same mental strength and intensity as the 22-time Grand Slam champion.

The closeness with Nadal could help him especially from this point of view.

In an interview with ‘Tennis Majors’, former Wimbledon champion Pat Cash paid tribute to Rafa “He’s very, very special.

I’ve always said that if I had one person to play for my life, one match somewhere, it would be Nadal.

Because if an alien came down from outer space and said, ‘OK, I know how to play tennis.

I’ll beat anyone, give me your best’, you’d throw Nadal out there.

Go on, handle his slice serve, try to handle this top spin.”

Cash also added “He just plays like nobody else. His competitiveness, ferociousness.

Every season was interesting because you’d watch him, you’d go, ‘what’s he changed now?

What’s he improved now?’

He just kept doing that. He kept changing his serve, getting it better.

Kept doing different tactics, doing this, this and that.

Top players tend to do that. You go, either improve, or you stand still, as they say, and he was great at that.”