Wilander on the end of Nadal's career: "I think it was a perfect farewell".

Mats Wilander, former world number 1 and highly respected player, recently reflected on the circumstances surrounding Rafael Nadal's retirement.

Thus, despite the Spaniard's defeat and the fact that the tribute ceremony was perhaps a little disappointing, the farewell was nonetheless perfect, according to Wilander: "I have to say that I probably disagree a little with people who think it wasn't a perfect farewell.

For me, it was the Davis Cup, which is a great signal from Rafael Nadal, because he could have gone somewhere else. He could even have played the French Open, and there would have been less pressure and fewer expectations.

I think this shows why Rafael Nadal loves tennis: it's essentially because he has a passion for the sport. He has a passion for competition and in this match, he wasn't at his best, because he's 38. I think it was a perfect farewell.

His attitude was perfect. He was back in Spain, the pressure was on, it wasn't some kind of exhibition or first round, the whole tennis world was watching him and the pressure on him was incredible."