Nike have paid tribute to Rafael Nadal’s illustrious career with a 10-metre-high silhouette of the Spaniard projected next to the Eiffel Tower, following his final tennis match on Tuesday night.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion’s final act in the sport was a 6-4, 6-4 defeat at the hands of the Netherlands’ Botic van de Zandschulp in the Davis Cup in Malaga.
It was his first singles defeat in the competition in 20 years and Spain went on to be knocked out by the Dutch, despite Carlos Alcaraz’s victory over Tallon Griekspoor.
The defeat brought an emotional end to Nadal’s epic 23-year journey as a professional, back where it all began.
Before Nadal even turned professional, he adorned the clothing of sports manufacturer Nike with their partnership beginning before the turn of the century.
Regardless of the result, Nadal’s sponsor displayed projections of ‘El Matador’ throughout his career next to Paris’ iconic landmark.
Nike displayed a 10-metre-high silhouette of Rafael Nadal next to the Eiffel Tower on Tuesday
Nadal’s final match was a defeat to the Netherlands’ Botic van de Zandschulp in the Davis Cup
The projections displayed memorable moments of Nadal’s career next to Paris’ iconic landmark
The French capital was the perfect place for his career to be celebrated due to his record-breaking exploits there over the years.
Nadal took home 14 French Open titles, six more than anybody else, with Rolad-Garros becoming his second home over the years.
The symbolic scenery of the Coupe des Mousquetaires at the Trocadero became a regular backdrop to Nadal’s celebrations on clay and it was used one last time to commemorate the retiring Spaniard.
The 38-year-old’s farewell may have been far from perfect, 20 years on from his first Davis Cup match, he had little complaint regarding how his story ended.
‘Satisfying is giving a point to the team,’ said Nadal following his defeat. ‘It was not the case, I lost my match.
‘But in this moment of my career, I can’t complain much. I tried my best, I tried to enjoy it and play with the right energy. It just didn’t work.
‘It’s in some ways good if that was my last match: I lost my first match in the Davis Cup, and I lost my last one. So we close the circle.’
After learning Spain’s fate in the early hours of Wednesday morning, Nadal stayed on the court as a special ceremony was conducted in his honour.
Paris was a second home for Nadal as he won a record 14 French Open titles during his career
Nadal stayed on court after Spain’s defeat for a special ceremony celebrating his career
Nadal then addressed the crowd one final time with an emotional statement before leaving
A video montage was then played which contained tributes from his former rivals Roger Federer and Andy Murray, which brought tears to the Spaniard’s eyes.
Nadal then addressed the crowd one final time with an emotional statement, thanking supporters for their support during his trophy-laden career.
‘The truth is that you never want to get to this point,’ said Nadal. ‘I’m not tired of playing tennis, but my body doesn’t want to play anymore and you have to accept that.
‘I feel super privileged, I’ve been able to make my hobby my profession for a long time. I also remember my family, my team, you have been an unforgettable part of my life for all these years.
‘I am a person who believes in continuity and staying close to the people who have made my life better and that has given me a personal relationship that goes far beyond the professional. Thank you so much because without you this would not have been possible and I say this from the heart.’
