The match against Van de Zandschulp — who upset Alcaraz at the US Open — was Nadal's first outing that counted since early August at the Paris Olympics. He lost there in the second round of singles to Djokovic and bowed out in the doubles quarterfinals alongside Alcaraz.

Nadal and Alcaraz practiced with each other hours before the start of play. The day, much like the entire Davis Cup buildup, was largely about memories of, and praise for, Nadal.

"You know very well what you have meant to the tennis world," said Spain's captain, David Ferrer, who lost to Nadal in the 2013 French Open final. "We will miss you a lot."

Nadal's appeal was found in how he played tennis, relentlessly striking each shot as if it might be his last, and the humility he displayed away from competition. No one cared for him as much as his fellow Spaniards. He is a national hero, transcending sports, and that was clear from the love expressed over and over via shouts and standing ovations — when Nadal entered the court, when he won a point, when his match ended, and so on.

"When we heard the news that Rafa was retiring, this really became something special — a chance to see the greatest sportsman in the country's history," said Luis Julve, a 19-year-old college student who made the trip from Madrid with his mother and aunt.

When the matches, the ceremony, the night and, eventually, his career were over, Nadal hugged his teammates and left the court, pausing to wave goodbye to his fans one last time.

"The truth is, nobody ever wants to arrive at this moment," Nadal said. "I'm not tired of playing tennis, but it's my body that doesn't want to play anymore, so I have to accept the situation. Honestly, I feel super privileged for having been able to make a career out of my hobby, and for having played for much longer than I could ever have imagined."

Agencies via Xinhua