PHOTO: Rafa Nadal says goodbye to tennis and explains the reason: “The body doesn’t want to play anymore”

Rafa Nadal’s eyes filled with tears Tuesday as he stood alongside his teammates during the Spanish national anthem earlier than he and everyone expected. This could be the last game of his career.

Although the public tried to encourage 22-time Grand Slam singles champion.His opponent Van de Zandschulp (Netherlands) beat the Spaniard with a score of 6-4, 6-4.

The 38-year-old Spanish tennis player announced his farewell to the professional tennis world in October, saying at the time that “the last two years have been difficult and “I couldn’t play without restrictions.”. On Tuesday, he further explained the reason for his departure:

“I have to say thanks, it’s hard to do.

“, he began after a standing ovation from the audience. “The reality is that you never want to reach this moment; I’m not tired of playing tennis, but my body doesn’t want to play anymore and we have to accept it. I feel very privileged that I was able to make my hobby my profession a long time ago.

Now it begins a new era without Rafa Nadal on the courtsbut the legacy he leaves outside and within the sport will last forever.