Rafael Nadal said that he would like to be remembered as "a kid who followed his dreams" as the tennis great bid a poignant farewell to the sport.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion's 23-year career came to an end in Malaga on Tuesday night after Spain were beaten by the Netherlands in the Davis Cup quarter-finals. Nadal retires as the second-most successful men's singles player of all time, behind only long-time rival Novak Djokovic.

The 38-year-old said he hoped to be remembered primarily as "a good person". During an on-court presentation, he said: "I'd like to be remembered as a kid that achieved more than I ever dreamed."

"I have been very lucky in the life I have had the opportunity to live, I have lived unforgettable experiences because of tennis. I was just a kid that followed their dreams, worked as hard as possible to be where I am today.

"The way I'd like to be remembered most is as a good person from a small village in Mallorca." Before Rafael Nadal took to the court, Roger Federer paid an emotional tribute to his long-term rival.

Federer, who retired in 2022 with 20 Grand Slams, won 16 matches and lost 24 - including an epic final at Wimbledon in 2008 - in the 40 times he faced Nadal. "As you get ready to graduate from tennis, I've got a few things to share before I maybe get emotional," the 43-year-old Federer wrote on Instagram.

"Let's start with the obvious: you beat me - a lot. More than I managed to beat you. You challenged me in ways no-one else could.

"On clay, it felt like I was stepping into your backyard, and you made me work harder than I ever thought I could just to hold my ground." Federer added that Nadal made him "reimagine" his game, to the extent that the Swiss changed the size of his racquet head.

After Nadal's singles defeat, 23-time Grand Slam winner Serena Williams posted on X: "Why am I getting so choked up with Rafael Nadal's retirement. I'm not good at goodbyes."

On Instagram, she added a video of her wearing one of Nadal's branded headbands and a t-short with the Spaniard pictured on the front. "Congratulations on a career that most wont dare to dream of," she said.

"I feel so fortunate to have been able to play when you were playing and being Great. You inspired me to be better, to play harder, for fight, to never give up, and to win more. No excuses just play the sport.

"Your legacy will never die. Wow to see your career from the beginning to today was an honour, Champ! Long live Rafa!"