Rafael Nadal says he would like to be remembered as “a kid who followed their dreams” as the tennis great bid a poignant farewell to the sport.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion’s 23-year career came to an end in Malaga on Tuesday night after Spain were beaten by the Netherlands in the Davis Cup quarter-finals.
Nadal retires as the second-most successful men’s singles player of all time, behind only long-time rival Novak Djokovic.
The 38-year-old said he hoped to be remembered primarily as “a good person”.
“I’d like to be remembered as a kid that achieved more than I ever dreamed,” Nadal said during an on-court presentation.
“I have been very lucky in the life I have had the opportunity to live, I have lived unforgettable experiences because of tennis.
“I was just a kid that followed their dreams, worked as hard as possible to be where I am today.
“The way I’d like to be remembered most is as a good person from a small village in Mallorca.”
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