Novak Djokovic, the third piece of the era's Big Three, had posted his own message to Nadal a month ago and had even asked Nadal to stay a little longer. But a more recent message

Nadal won 22 Grand Slam titles in his career and retires as one of the greatest men's tennis players of all time.

With a 2-1 loss to the Netherlands, which included Nadal's first loss in 29 Davis Cup matches, Spain was eliminated, ending the indomitable Spaniard's historic court career.