Rafael Nadal's relatively low-key retirement ceremony at the Davis Cup was defended by the head of the International Tennis Federation on Sunday as being dictated by the 22-time Grand Slam champion's wishes.

Rafael Nadal’s remarkable 23-year career came to an end after Spain was eliminated by the Netherlands in the Davis Cup quarterfinals on Tuesday.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion, 38, loses to Botic van de Zandschulp of the Netherlands in a Davis Cup quarterfinal. “I achieved more than I ever believed possible,” says Nadal, who announced

Rafael Nadal has lost 6-4, 6-4 to Botic van de Zandschulp of the Netherlands in the Davis Cup quarterfinals in what could be the last match of the 22-time Grand Slam champion's career.

Rafael Nadal, one of the greatest men's tennis players in history, closed out his legendary career playing for Spain in the Davis Cup.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion lost what could be his final tennis match in the first rubber of Spain's tie against the Netherlands.

Rafael Nadal of Team Spain gets emotional while watching a video on the giants screens during his farewell after Spain being knocked out on the quarterfinal tie between Netherlands and Spain during the Davis Cup Finals at Palacio de Deportes Jose Maria Martin Carpena on November 19,

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

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

Neither Rafael Nadal nor Spanish captain David Ferrer is ready to say whether the 22-time Grand Slam champion will play singles or doubles at the Davis Cup Final 8.

Rafael Nadal's relatively low-key retirement ceremony at the Davis Cup was defended by the head of the International Tennis Federation on Sunday.