Rafael Nadal is grateful to have realized his dream of being a professional player and admitted after the Six Kings Slam that he will miss it.
After suffering constant injuries for two years, Nadal announced he would retire from professional tennis after representing Spain at the Davis Cup Finals next month. He has won the team event four times.
Stepping away from professional tennis after nearly 20 years will undoubtedly be emotional for Nadal and his millions of fans, who have loved watching one of the greatest players in tennis history for so long.
Nadal made what is expected to be his penultimate appearance before retiring at the Six Kings Slam exhibition in Saudi Arabia. The 38-year-old lost to Carlos Alcaraz on Thursday, who he will likely play doubles with at the Davis Cup Finals.
That was followed by a final match against his old rival, Novak Djokovic. Despite a close second set, Nadal was defeated 2-6, 6-7 by the Serbian, who made an emotional tribute to the 22-time Grand Slam champion afterward.
Although he has not retired yet, Nadal's closeness to that point led him to reflect on his career after being beaten by Djokovic, with his coaching team, wife, and child in the stands watching.
When asked what he would miss most about being a professional tennis player, Nadal did not pick one particular thing but expressed gratitude about being able to achieve his dream of reaching the top of the sport.
"I’m going to miss almost everything. It’s been a dream come true to be able to play for almost 20 years. Having the chance to play in the best places in the world. It’s something I watched on tv as a kid. At the end I realized my dream to become a pro tennis player and be a successful one."
The 14-time French Open winner also thanked his team, family, those who run the sport, and everyone around the world who had given him support throughout his legendary career.
"I can’t thank enough the support and love I received all around the world. It’s been amazing energy during every tournament I played. Huge support. From my team and family but also from the entire tennis world."
"It’s been a huge pleasure to be around. I’m a fortunate guy to be a tennis player. We have a great tour and a lot of great people running the sport. I feel very fortunate. I want to thank everyone."
Nadal's comments were as classy as ever. Over the years, he has built a reputation for his impeccable conduct on and off the court, and the number of people he thanked in his comments after the Six Kings Slam once again demonstrates that.
Hopefully, Nadal gets the fitting send-off he deserves at the Davis Cup Finals. The 2008 and 2010 Wimbledon champion might be representing Spain, but fans from dozens of countries worldwide will be hoping he wins the Davis Cup title to mark the end of his outstanding career.