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

Like Toni Nadal, the legendary Spaniard's coach didn't appreciate the ceremony organized by the Davis Cup Finals board

Rafael Nadal's retirement ceremony at the Davis Cup was low-key, honoring his wishes. ITF President David Haggerty emphasized the importance of respecting Nadal's desires for the event. Despite differing opinions,

It was an emotional farewell from tennis for Nadal this week after Spain was eliminated in the quarterfinals of the Davis Cup in Malaga

The 22-time Grand Slam champion's physical limitations were laid bare in what could be his last appearance as a professional player.

MALAGA, Spain, Nov 19 (Reuters) - Rafael Nadal said farewell to tennis and his fans saluted their retiring hero in a bittersweet and emotional ceremony at a sold-out Malaga arena following his last professional match in Spain’s 2-1 Davis Cup defeat to the Netherlands on Tuesday.

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

According to El Espanol, this was because the retirement ceremony was expected to take place on Friday - on the assumption Spain would win their quarter-final. This has attracted

Davis Cup Finals tournament director Feliciano Lopez and International Tennis Federation president David Haggerty have defended Rafael Nadal’s retirement ceremony. Former world No 1 and 22-time Grand Slam winner Nadal played the final match of his career at the Finals in Malaga this week.