Toni Nadal on the tribute to his nephew: "I would have preferred something different".
On Tuesday evening, the defeat of Carlos Alcaraz and Marcel Granollers in the decisive doubles ended the suspense. The dreaded news finally came.
Rafael Nadal, who had himself lost earlier to Botic van de Zandschulp (6-4, 6-4), is officially retired.
Spain, despite being favourites at home in Malaga, came up against a solid Dutch team in the Davis Cup quarter-finals.
Moments after his defeat, the man with 22 Grand Slam titles received a standing ovation from the large crowd that had turned out to watch the match.
A final farewell for a legend of tennis and sport in general. Nadal was active for 23 years, leaving behind him an eternal legacy, as Alcaraz had written.
Toni Nadal would have liked a different ceremony to pay tribute to his nephew.
On the other hand, Toni Nadal did not appreciate the tribute paid to Rafael, believing that it was insufficient in relation to the mark he will leave on history.
"It was obviously moving, with the support of the public. But for moments like that, I would have loved to have seen images of Rafa when he won the Davis Cup in Seville.
Otherwise, a few memories of his titles in Madrid, Roland-Garros or Wimbledon," he complained.
"It's not my intention to criticize anyone, but I would have preferred to see something different, worthy of his career," continued Toni Nadal in an interview with Punto De Break.
"Today, we can do more emotional things by mixing his exploits with music. Rafa is a guy whose images can convey passion and emotion," he concludes.
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