Spanish Tennis Federation president under fire for "shabby" retirement tribute to Rafael Nadal at Davis Cup

Several fans and members of the tennis community were left disappointed at the tribute made for Rafael Nadal following the Spaniard's retirement at the 2024 Davis Cup, leading to Spanish Tennis Federation bosses speaking out to defend their decision.

Nadal played his final professional tournament at the Davis Cup, representing Spain as they took on the Netherlands. Despite his best attempts, Nadal fell to Dutchman Botic Van de Zandschulp, calling an end to a distinguished career.

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Retirement ceremony slammed by Nadal's compatriots

Although the 22-time Grand Slam champion was honored with an emotional on-court presentation following the day's proceedings, the tribute was not well-received by everyone. Nadal's colleagues Carlos Moya, David Ferrer and Nadal’s uncle Toni have all blasted the attempts to honor the former World No.1, claiming the tournament’s tribute wasn’t good enough.

"The feeling we are all left with is that the farewell was a bit scruffy and shabby,” Moya told news outlet Ondacero.

"The farewell of someone as important as Rafa was watered down," said Ferrer in an interview with El Partidazo de Cope. "Perhaps some very important people in his tennis career were missing, and people who have been as important as his rivals as he was to the team, who were perhaps not mentioned enough."

"I don't mean to criticize anyone. I would have liked something different, on the level of his career,” said Toni Nadal to El Larguero de la SER. “As a family member and as Rafael's former coach, I appreciate the detail they had and the good intention. Afterwards, well, I would have liked something else."

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Following the criticism, Spanish Tennis Federation president Miguel Diaz Roman spoke out on the issue, and shifted the blame to the International Tennis Federation, who organized the Davis Cup tribute. Roman stated it was not enough for someone of Nadal's stature, and hinted at the Spanish tennis body organizing their own retirement tribute for Nadal.

“It was not a memory for life," said Roman. “I'm sure we would like to fill a football stadium.”