Rafael Nadal was unable to conjure a Davis Cup fairytale as he suffered defeat to Botic van de Zandschulp on an emotional evening in Malaga.
The 38-year-old played in his farewell tournament having finally accepted last month that his body would no longer allow him to compete at the highest level.
He was still hoping for one final victory on home soil but Van de Zandschulp spoiled the party with a 6-4 6-4 victory.
It was only Nadal's second ever Davis Cup loss in singles, with the other coming on his debut against Czech Republic way back in 2004.
But, while the 22-time grand-slam champion will be disappointed with the result, ultimately it was not what really mattered.
"Of course it has been an emotional day, nerves before what can be my last singles match," he said.
"Feeling the national anthem for the last time like a professional has been very special. And then of course a little bit of mixed feelings makes things a little bit more difficult.
"But that's it. We went on court. We live that moment. I tried to do my best. I tried to, at the same time, to stay as positive as possible in every single moment, to play with the right energy. It was not enough. Congrats to Botic. That’s all. He was better than me."
But the Dutchman dashed the hopes of Nadal and his army of fans by beating the home hero in singles before teaming up with Wesley Koolhof – who is also playing his final event – to beat Carlos Alcaraz and Marcel Granollers 7-6 (4) 7-6 (3) in the deciding doubles.
Nadal said he wanted to be remembered as a good person and a kid who achieved more than his dreams in an emotional farewell.
In an on-court ceremony that finished close to 1am, Nadal thanked his family and team as well as the thousands of fans clad in Spanish flags who had flocked to the Martin Carpena Arena to cheer him on.
A video montage featured tributes from the likes of Roger Federer, Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic, Serena Williams, David Beckham, Raul, Andres Iniesta and Sergio Garcia, while Nadal could not hold the tears back as he was acclaimed from all sides.
"The titles, the numbers are there so people probably know that, but I would like to be remembered more as a good person from a small village in Majorca," he said.
"I had the luck that my uncle was a tennis coach and I had a great family. Just a kid that followed their dreams, worked as hard as possible to be where I am today.
"But a lot of people try their best every single day. I have been very lucky in the life I have had the opportunity to live, I have lived unforgettable experiences because of tennis. I’d like to be remembered as a kid that achieved more than I ever dreamed."
Rafael Nadal bid an emotional farewell to professional tennis in Malaga last night as hosts Spain were knocked out of the Davis Cup by the Netherlands pic.twitter.com/WHDXPj5pm9
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) November 20, 2024
Nadal had hoped to bow out in fairy-tale fashion by helping his country to a sixth Davis Cup title to bookend his two-decade career, but Botic van de Zandschulp had other ideas.
Nadal was on his feet cheering his compatriots from the sidelines but the Dutch duo held their nerve amid the din.
Nadal then had to wait for the cheers and chants to die down as he took to the court one final time to reminisce on his career.
"It has been 20 years of a professional career in which you have carried me through the good times, and in the bad you pushed me to keep playing," he said.
"I have been able to live with Spain and with everyone, I have felt very grateful to feel the affection of all the public and especially here in Spain.
"I want to congratulate the Netherlands and thank the whole Spanish team that is here, who have let me play the Davis Cup again, which has not gone as we all wanted. I have given everything I had.
"I have lived many important moments of my career with those who are here, it has been a privilege, we have achieved many beautiful things and now it is your turn to continue living them, which I am sure will come.
"The truth is that you never want to get to this point. I’m not tired of playing tennis but my body doesn’t want to play anymore and you have to accept that. I feel super privileged, I’ve been able to make my hobby my profession for a long time."
Nadal’s parents, sister, wife and young son were in the crowd, and he added: "I am calm because I have received an education to face with calm what is coming now. I am calm because I have a great family around me that helps me with everything possible."
The speculation ahead of the tie had been that Nadal might only play doubles but captain David Ferrer could not resist picking him for singles.
There were tears in Nadal’s eyes during a stirring rendition of the Spanish national anthem, and he showed trademark fight to try to secure a point for his team, but it was not to be.
It was only Nadal’s second ever Davis Cup loss in singles, with the other coming on his debut against the Czech Republic’s Jiri Novak way back in 2004.
"I lost my first match in the Davis Cup, and I lost my last one. So we close the circle," added Nadal with a smile.
Alcaraz kept the tie alive by beating Tallon Griekspoor 7-6 (0) 6-3 in the second singles rubber, but his dreams of prolonging his hero’s career faded in the doubles.
"I really wanted to do it for Rafa, and stay focused on my game, try not to think about Rafa’s last tournament, Rafa’s last match," said Alcaraz.
The 22-year-old has taken over the mantle from Nadal on the court, and he added: "His legacy is going to be eternal. He has been great for tennis, for this sport in general.
"It is difficult, at least for me. I don’t want to think that I should continue the legacy that he has left.
"It is difficult, almost impossible. I will try to do my best but right now it’s time to say just great things about Rafa, what he has done during his career."
