Carlos Alcaraz praised Rafael Nadal's "eternal" legacy following Spain's exit from the Davis Cup, where Nadal played his final match. Alcaraz acknowledged the challenge of living up to Nadal's remarkable achievements but expressed gratitude for having had Nadal's influence in tennis, in Spain, and in his own life.

Rafael Nadal’s retirement marks the end of a remarkable era in men’s tennis, as Simon Cambers reflects on the Spaniard's extraordinary journey. Nadal's ascent to superstardom was solidified during a pivotal moment at Wimbledon in 2008. As the sun began to set, he triumphed over Roger Federer, with the Swiss star's final forehand landing in the net. In that instant, Nadal collapsed onto his back, overwhelmed with joy. At just 22 years old, he had achieved the seemingly impossible: becoming Wimbledon champion, a feat many believed was out of reach for him. Prior to this victory, Nadal was already a dominant force on clay courts, but the notion that he could dethrone Federer on grass—where Federer had claimed five consecutive titles—seemed far-fetched. Yet, Nadal defied all expectations and transformed the landscape of tennis. He went on to win Wimbledon again two years later and added the US Open to his accolades in the same year, becoming only the seventh man in history to complete the career Grand Slam and the youngest to do so in the Open era. Nadal's legacy as a role model and a champion is firmly established, and his retirement signifies the conclusion of a golden chapter in the sport.