Rafael Nadal reflects after farewell defeat at Davis Cup Finals as Carlos Alcaraz says 'I did it for Rafa'

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There were very different fortunes for Spain's Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz in their singles rubbers of the Davis Cup quarter-final with Netherlands, and both gave their reactions on what was an emotional night in Malaga. Ultimately, Nadal's big farewell from tennis after such an illustrious career ended in defeat for Spain as Netherlands claimed a shock victory.

Highlights: Nadal suffers defeat at Davis Cup in possible final match

Video credit: SNTV

Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz have given their reactions after their contrasting singles results in their Davis Cup Finals rubber against Netherlands in Malaga.

Nadal fell to a disappointing straight-sets defeat to Botic van de Zandschulp in the opening match of the tie as his farewell event suddenly looked like it could be over swiftly.

The impressive Alcaraz roared to a fine victory over Tallon Griekspoor to set up a deciding rubber and ensure that Nadal had something to cheer about from the stands, but Netherlands won the doubles to clinch a surprise triumph.

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Reflecting on his opening defeat, the 38-year-old legend told reporters that he was fully accepting of the fact that he may have played his final singles match.

"Of course, it has been an emotional day and I felt nerves before what can be my last singles match as a professional," Nadal said.

"I tried my best, I tried to enjoy and play with the right energy and the right attitude.

"It just didn't work. There was a possibility that that would happen.

'I did it for Rafa' - Alcaraz dedicates victory over Griekspoor to Nadal on 'emotional day'

Video credit: SNTV

"In some ways, it is good, maybe, if that was my last match because I lost my first match in the Davis Cup and I lost my last one. We close the circle."

Alcaraz was rightly upbeat after his fine victory to level the tie and take it to a doubles decider.

"I watched the whole match [Nadal's defeat]," he said in his on-court interview. "I had the chance to watch the first set here in real life and then I had to stay focused.

"It's an emotional day but I tried to forget everything and show my best tennis. The Davis Cup is a really important tournament for me and everyone.

"I tried to play my best tennis and get Spain the best chance to qualify. I did it for Rafa.

Highlights: Alcaraz keeps Spain in Davis Cup with victory over Griekspoor

Video credit: SNTV

"I started pretty well. It's just a game where I lost focus a little bit. I let him make the break so I had to stay here. I tried to stay positive.

"I had my chances that I couldn't take at the beginning. I stayed there, played good tennis and I'm really happy I got him in two sets."

'A kid that followed their dreams'

The Netherlands' win in the deciding doubles rubber finally brought down the curtain on Nadal's stunning career.

Fittingly, he returned to the court for a glittering ceremony.

A video with tributes from a number of his rivals down the years, including Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Andy Murray and Juan Martin del Potro was played on the big screen.

And the packed crowd must have been left with stinging palms from the standing ovation they afforded the 22-time grand slam champion.

Addressing them, Nadal said: "The titles, the numbers are there. People probably know that.

"The way that I would like to be remembered more is as a good person from a small village in Mallorca.

"My uncle was a tennis coach in my village when I was a very, very small kid. I had a great family who had the chance to support me in every single moment.

"I was just a kid that followed their dreams; worked as hard as possible to be what I am today.

"A lot of people work hard, try their best every single day, but I am one of those that have been very lucky that life gave me an opportunity to live unforgettable experiences because of tennis.

"I just want to be remembered as a good person and a kid that followed their dreams and achieved more than I ever dreamed."

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