Rafael Nadal is entering a new stage in his life. Last week, the revered tennis player announced his retirement after a loss in the Davis Cup, letting the world know that he would no longer be playing tennis on a professional basis. This week, he was spotted in the Spanish Costa del Sol alongside his family. enjoying the end of his tennis season. 

Paparazzi captured Nadal in Marbella, where he was spotted grabbing some lunch with his family. He wore a white t-shirt and camo pants, holding on to a chore coat in his hands. 

He was accompanied by his parents, Ana María Parera and Sebastián Nadal, and also by his wife, Mery Perelló, and his sister, Maribel.

The group was spotted leaving the restaurant Los Marinos Jose, located near the coast, in the Fungirola region. 

© GrosbyGroup

Nadal’s emotional retirement

Nadal’s retirement was announced at the Davis Cup, prompting an emotional response from athletes from all over the world. “I just want to be remembered as a good person and a kid who followed their dreams, and achieved more than what I ever dreamed,” he said, following his loss and addressing the crowd. 

Cup organizers compiled various videos sent in from various athletes, including Spanish soccer players like Iker Casillas, Raul Blanco, Andres Iniesta, who shared their love for Nadal and their pride over having an athlete like himself representing their country.

In the case of tennis, various stars shared their love for Nadal as well. Serena Williams, Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, and more shared their feelings in the video, praising Nadal’s personality and character on top of his skills on the tennis court. 

Federer, Nadal’s long-term rival and friend, shared a moving letter on social media, exploring his admiration and love for him. “You made me reimagine my game—even going so far as to change the size of my racquet head, hoping for any edge,” he wrote. 

© Matt McNulty