According to Eurosport’s Barbara Schett, Rafael Nadal has “proved us all wrong” with his longevity and versatility after the Spaniard announced he was ending his illustrious career.

“When I found out about it yesterday, I didn’t shed tears, but I was sad. I felt it,” said Schett.

“There is a saying in Austria: You feel like your stomach doubles when you feel unwell. And that’s exactly what I felt, this pressure that that’s it. I’ll never watch his games again. I will never see him compete like he has.

“The 20 years he was on tour are unforgettable and he proved us all wrong, I think.

“Most people would have said at the start of his career that it wouldn’t take this long. He will never win 22 Grand Slam titles.

“He’s just a clay court player, which he’s proven he’s not. In the end he was also a very good lawn player. It’s sad, but life goes on.

“He didn’t think he would have such a long career. I think we cannot take for granted what we have seen in the last 20 years of his administration. I’m sure he won’t.”

The 22-time Grand Slam winner led Spain to four Davis Cup triumphs, defeating then world No. 2 Andy Roddick in the 2004 final to put himself on the world stage.

And since Schett was involved in the competition as a ball boy before his professional career, he is convinced that a home tournament will be the perfect swan song.

Schett said: “It couldn’t be a better time for him to retire as a player at the Davis Cup in Malaga, at home in Spain. “I’m sure it will be huge. They will put on a great show. He probably doesn’t want that at all.

“He’s going to have this big farewell ceremony. But I think he’s just happy with everything.

“He doesn’t need the big scene. He doesn’t need the big spectacle that surrounds him. I think he is relaxed and knows exactly what he has done in his career.

“He doesn’t need bells ringing everywhere.”

And Schett knows better than most about Nadal’s humility, insisting that despite all he has achieved he would still be “down to earth”.

“Rafa Nadal has the right values ​​in life,” said Schett. “If he had won 40 Grand Slam titles, if he hadn’t won any, he would still be the same person.

“He’s just nice. He is respectful towards everyone. And I personally remember him moving out of the way from 20 meters away and saying, “Hello Barbara, how are you?” And he doesn’t have to do that.

“He could probably buy a whole town. He is a very wealthy man, but he is down to earth. He has compassion for people, how they feel and how they are doing. That’s what I really value.

“He just had so much love for the sport and definitely brought out the best in himself. When he’s 80 and sitting on his sofa in Mallorca, he won’t regret anything.”