Rafael Nadal beaten in Davis Cup farewell by Netherlands' Van de ...

Rafael Nadal's glittering professional tennis career has now come to an end following Spain's elimination from the Davis Cup.

The 38-year-old Mallorcan, who last month announced he was ending his career after the Davis Cup, bows out following Spain's 2-1 defeat to Netherlands. 

Nadal lost his singles rubber against Botic van de Zandschulp 6-4, 6-4, in what became his final professional match. 

Spain's world number three Carlos Alcaraz beat Tallon Griekspoor 7-6(0) 6-3 in the second singles to level the tie.

But the Spanish duo of Alcaraz and Marcel Granollers-Pujol, went down to the Dutchb pairing of Van de Zandschulp and Wesley Koolhof.

Nadal won 22 grand slams over his glittering career, including 14 French Open crowns.

Eight nations are contesting the Davis Cup in Malaga this week, with the finals set for Sunday, local time.

Nadal's loss came after an outpouring of tributes from a score of tennis legends, including his old sparring partner Roger Federer.

"Vamos, Rafael Nadal! As you get ready to graduate from tennis, I've got a few things to share before I maybe get emotional," Federer wrote.

"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 back yard, and you made me work harder than I ever thought I could just to hold my ground.

"You made me reimagine my game – even going so far as to change the size of my racket head, hoping for any edge. And you know what, Rafa, you made me enjoy the game even more. OK, maybe not at first. After the 2004 Australian Open, I achieved the number-one ranking for the first time. I thought I was on top of the world.

"And I was – until two months later, when you walked on the court in Miami in your red sleeveless shirt, showing off those biceps, and you beat me convincingly.

"We were both at the start of our journey and it's one we ended up taking together. Twenty years later, Rafa, I have to say: What an incredible run you've had. Including 14 French Opens – historic! You made Spain proud … you made the whole tennis world proud."

Serena Williams also paid tribute to Nadal, wearing his iconic headband in an Instagram clip.

Congratulations on a career that most won't dare to dream of," Williams wrote.

"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!"

Several other players, who were also sponsored by Nike like Nadal, changed their profile pictures on social media to Nadal's logo.

Reuters