With age and injuries catching up on him, 22-time tennis Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal bid farewell to tennis in what is considered to be his last game in a Davis Cup tournament where he and his teammates failed to make their country advance in the tournament.

Eyes welling with tears, Nadal and his teammates led the singing of Spain’s national anthem on Tuesday (November 19) in the Davis Cup matches in Malaga, Spain.

Nadal, 38 bowed to Netherlands’ Botic van de Zandschulo in a 6-4, 6-4 lost that many believed to be his last in his illustrious career in professional tennis.

The well-loved Spaniard cried unabashedly as spectators chorused “Rafa, Rafa” while a video showing the highlights of his two-decades career in tennis flashed on the screen.

Tributes from famous tennis champions were also shown. Among those who sent videos demonstrating their love and respect for Nadal were his top rivals -Roger Federer and Novac Djokovic and Andy Murray.

The magic was missing during his heartbreaking lost to the young Dutch although Nadal tried hard to keep at pace with his opponent.

Women’s record-breaking grand slam champion Serene Williams also sent her message, so did Conchita Martinez, golf’s Sergio Garcia and soccer great David Beckham.

“The titles, the numbers are there, so people probably know that, but the way I would like to be remembered is a good person from a small village in Mallorca,” said Nadal.

After his speech, adoring fans, family members and friends simply watched proudly but full with emotions as triumphs Nadal scored flashed on the screen.