Rafael Nadal reacts at the airport as he gets ready to leave Davis Cup finals following his final tennis match

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Rafael Nadal is looking ahead to life after tennis after officially retiring at the Davis Cup finals.

After over two decades of sustained brilliance the 38-year-old decided to step away from the game after representing Spain one final time.

The former World number one was understandably emotional during his country’s national anthem ahead of the quarter-final against Holland, and in the post-match farewell ceremony.

Nadal was given a standing ovation by the crowd as he waved goodbye and brought the curtain down of a truly fabulous career.

What did Rafael Nadal say at the airport before leaving the Davis Cup finals?

Rafael Nadal lost the last singles match of his career to Botic Van de Zandschulp 6-4, 6-4.

He then watched anxiously from the sidelines as Carlos Alcaraz defeated Tallon Griekspoor to level the tie, but the 21-year-old was unable to win the deciding doubles tie alongside Marcel Granollers.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion was bitterly disappointed with Spain’s premature exit from the Davis Cup finals, but he is looking ahead to his life as a retired tennis player.

“I’ve put an end to my professional career, I’m retired now and the Davis Cup is always a beautiful experience,” Nadal told Spanish TV channel RTVE.

“Being able to be on the team, being able to live the feeling of playing in front of the Spanish fans again, and I’ve enjoyed it. In the end, the result wasn’t the one we all wanted, but that’s sport, things don’t always turn out the way you want them to.

“I’ve changed my life in a radical way, it’s a big change and I’m simply accepting this change in a normal way, and accepting a life that’s going to be different from what it has been the last 30 years, but with the hope of living it, without a doubt.”

Only Novak Djokovic remains from tennis’ famed ‘Big 4’ era

Nadal’s retirement follows Andy Murray’s exit from the game after the Paris Olympics and Roger Federer’s final match at the 2022 Laver Cup.

Therefore, Olympic champion Novak Djokovic is the last remaining player from the ‘Big 4’ era from the late 2000s and 2010s.

The quartet were the frontrunners of arguably the greatest era in men’s tennis history and between them collected 69 Grand Slam titles and played countless classic matches against one another.

The trio issued tributes to Nadal following his retirement, as Murray said: “The passion, the intensity that you played with was something that all tennis players aspire to and what all tennis fans will remember you for. It’s been incredible watching you. Thanks for everything Rafa, enjoy retirement mate.”

Djokovic added: “Your tenacity, fighting spirit, and the energy you brought to the court, the power, will be studied and will be transferred to many generations that are coming up.

“The tennis world, and indeed the sporting world, will profoundly miss the incredible energy you brought to the game. There is so much to celebrate and cherish around your legacy.”

Federer issued a touching letter to Nadal on Tuesday morning, some of which read: “I have to say: What an incredible run you’ve had. Including 14 French Opens—historic! You made Spain proud… you made the whole tennis world proud.

“I just want to congratulate your family and team, who all played a massive role in your success. And I want you to know that your old friend is always cheering for you, and will be cheering just as loud for everything you do next.”