A sense of finality: Rafael Nadal bids farewell to Barcelona Open for final time after De Minaur loss with emotional message

As Alex de Minaur proved to be too good in a 7-5, 6-1 win, Rafael Nadal bowed out from the tournament that bears his name on the court and also one he has won 12 times in an emotional farewell from the Barcelona Open.

As was admitted in Spanish media, Nadal wasn't fully ready still to play at the Barcelona Open but destiny played its part. The 12-time champion won one last time against Flavio Cobolli on Tuesday and despite going down to a far superior opponent in De Minaur, he leaves with only happy memories. But also of course the competitive anguish that he couldn't fight for the title one more time at the tournament known as Conde de Godo. He has already confirmed in another hint that retirement is closer that it would be his final Barcelona Open.

"Barcelona. I played and was happy doing it on a court and special tournament, classic and traditional tournament of our circuit. A place, a club, that saw me grow as a player and where I had so many joys," The Spaniard said via Instagram.

"Everything has a beginning and an end and I would have liked to fight for the title one more time. It hurts, but it’s been nice to play here always, today too. Thank you very much for everything Barcelona. Thank you very much!"