Davis Cup tournament director Feliciano Lopez has addressed backlash surrounding Rafael Nadal’s farewell ceremony during the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga. The event, which marked the conclusion of Nadal’s legendary career, drew criticism for being underwhelming, with notable voices such as coach Carlos Moya, Spanish Davis Cup captain David Ferrer, and Nadal’s uncle Toni expressing disappointment.
Nadal played his final match in a singles defeat to Botic van de Zandschulp, with Spain losing their quarter-final tie to the Netherlands. Following the match, a ceremony was held in which former rivals Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Andy Murray shared video tributes, bringing Nadal to tears. However, some, including Moya, deemed the ceremony insufficient, calling it “shabby” and “scruffy.”
Lopez, a former Davis Cup champion alongside Nadal and the Finals’ tournament director, defended the event, emphasizing that the focus should remain on Nadal’s choice to conclude his illustrious career at the Davis Cup.
“Honestly, we did our best. I think we should focus on the fact that Rafa chose Davis Cup to be the final tournament of his career,” he said.
Despite the mixed reception to the ceremony, Nadal retires as one of tennis’s greatest, boasting 92 career titles and 22 Grand Slam victories, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.
Rafael Nadal in 2024
Now ranked no.155, Nadal played his last match on the 19th of November when he was defeated by world no.80 Botic Van De Zandschulp 6-4 6-4 in the Rubber 1 of the Davis Cup (draw).
This season Nadal achieved a 12-8 record. Rafael Nadal’s most significant performance of the current season was reaching the final in Bastad.
Rafael Nadal |
| Embed from Getty Images |
