Rafael Nadal’s farewell at the Davis Cup in Malaga is shaping up to be a truly historic event for tennis lovers. The excitement surrounding Rafa’s last appearance as a professional player is enormous, with fans and fellow athletes alike eager to witness the final chapter of his legendary career. According to Miguel Díaz, president of the Spanish Tennis Federation, the demand is so high that they could fill five football stadiums if they had the capacity.

Speaking to Relevo, Feliciano Lopez reflected on the unparalleled legacy Rafa leaves behind. For Feli, our champ is without question the greatest Spanish athlete in history—not just because of his on-court accomplishments but also for the example he has set as a person and teammate.

“My last intention is to diminish any other Spanish athlete—we’ve had so many, and many great ones at that. I really don’t think this debate should exist. And it’s not because he’s Rafa, not because he’s a tennis player, or because he’s my friend. I say it with complete sincerity. Rafa’s record simply doesn’t compare with any other athlete’s, and believe me, we’ve had some incredible ones, but that’s just how it is,” said Feli.

“Obviously, there’s the personal aspect and the legacy he leaves as a human being and a teammate. We could talk for hours about the legacy he has created, which is on par with what he has achieved on the court. We’re talking about things and levels that are different from anything else seen in Spain. He has 22 Grand Slam titles, 14 Roland Garros victories; it’s an impossible record, and it’s unlikely that any individual athlete will ever be able to win a tournament as prestigious as Roland Garros 14 times.

“He was world number one, he won Olympic medals. There has not been an athlete in Spain comparable to Rafa in sporting terms.

“Sometimes the debate is fueled in a journalistic way, and I understand that it is nice to ask who is the best. But this debate dilutes reality a little: if we talk about sporting performances, honestly and without offending anyone, I do not think that anyone can match him. And then there is what has transcended, what has moved. He has provoked emotions and feelings in so many people. Things have happened with Rafa in this country that have not happened with any other athlete and that also contributes to it.“