After losing to Alex de Minaur at the 2024 Barcelona Open, Rafael Nadal announced in an impassioned speech that “everything has a beginning and an end.”
The renowned Spaniard said his farewell “hurts” and stated he “would have liked to fight for the title one more time” while expressing gratitude for what the “special” tournament has given him.
Nadal was crushed 7-5, 6-1 by de Minaur, the world’s number 11, in the second round of the Barcelona Open on Wednesday, in what was probably certainly his final match of the event.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion received a standing ovation as he exited the court named after him at the ATP 500 event, which he has won a record 12 times.
Following the match, the 37-year-old revealed that he did not expect to play in Barcelona again and emphasized the importance of the event to him.
“I am an emotionally stable person; I approach everything philosophically and correctly,” claimed the Mallorcan in his post-match press conference.
“The natural thing is that it was my final game at Godó (the Barcelona Open), and you all know how significant this tournament has been to my career. This has traditionally been Spain’s premier tournament.
“The best players in history have come through here, and I’ve always respected that legacy. Furthermore, it is held in a tennis club, setting it apart from the bulk of tournaments.
“I have really enjoyed playing here, I have lived very nice moments, I have managed to win 12 times, something unimaginable for me.”
Nadal paid respect to Barcelona once again in an Instagram post following the match, reflecting on his farewell.
“I played and was pleased to do so on a court in a special competition, as well as a classic and traditional tournament from our circuit. A place, a club, where I grew as a player and had so many happy memories,” stated the former world number one.
“Everything has a beginning and an end, and I would have wanted to battle for the title once more. It aches, but it’s always been lovely to play here, including today. Thank you very much for everything, Barcelona. “Thank you so much!”
Nadal, who has stated that 2024 will most likely be his final year of tennis, plans to participate the Madrid Open, which begins on April 23. He then plans to compete at the Italian Open in Rome before making a highly anticipated final appearance at the French Open.
On Tuesday, the 14-time Roland Garros winner defeated Flavio Cobolli 6-2, 6-3 in the opening round in Barcelona, his first match since January.
The 37-year-old had not participated since his quarter-final loss to Jordan Thompson in Brisbane in January, and has been forced to withdraw from four events since then owing to injury issues. Nadal returned to action in Brisbane after missing nearly a year due to a major hip injury.
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