Rafael Nadal crushed by Botic van de Zandschulp at Davis Cup Finals in Malaga in ultimate profession match | Tennis Information

Rafael Nadal suffered defeat to Botic van de Zandschulp within the Davis Cup Finals in what was the final match of the Spaniard’s profession.

Van de Zandschulp eased to a 6-4 6-4 win to place Netherlands 1-0 forward of their quarter-final tie in opposition to Spain. It was solely Nadal’s second Davis Cup loss in singles, with the opposite approaching his debut in opposition to Czech Republic method again in 2004.

Spain’s new tennis king Carlos Alcaraz duly levelled the tie with a 7-6 (7-0) 6-3 defeat of Tallon Griekspoor, which means a deciding doubles could be required to settle the conflict.

Nevertheless, Wesley Koolhof and Botic van de Zandschulp spoiled the get together by defeating Alcaraz and Marcel Granollers 7-6 (7-4) 7-6 (7-3) to safe the Netherlands’ place within the semi-finals.

“The titles, numbers, they’re there. People probably know that. The way I’d like to be remembered more is like a good person from a small village in Mallorca,” mentioned the 38-year-old throughout an on-court ceremony to rejoice his profession.

The Spanish followers flocked to the Martin Carpena Area of their hundreds, draped in pink and yellow flags and scarves and able to cheer on their nationwide hero for maybe the ultimate time.

There have been tears in Nadal’s eyes throughout a stirring rendition of the nationwide anthem however his trademark dash to the again of the court docket confirmed he meant enterprise.

This was solely Nadal’s eighth official match this season, whereas his solely singles matches because the Olympics in July got here in an exhibition occasion in Saudi Arabia final month.

Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam champion, put up an excellent struggle in opposition to the big-serving Dutchman however had his serve damaged late within the first set.

He started to look a step off the tempo, the collective goodwill unable to forestall him going a double break down within the second.

This best of yellow-ball warriors was decided to struggle to the top, retrieving one break and attempting to claw himself again on stage phrases.

However Van de Zandschulp isn’t any mug, the Dutchman having been ranked as excessive as 22 on the planet, and he closed out the match as Nadal netted a ultimate forehand earlier than waving and blowing kisses to the gang, strolling off with a ultimate shake of the pinnacle.

“In some ways it is good, maybe, if that was my last match because I lost my first match in the Davis Cup and I lost my last one. We close the circle,” mentioned Nadal, whose Davis Cup profession started with defeat by Czech Republic’s Jiri Novak in 2004.

Van de Zandschulp mentioned: “The crowd was tough. Understandable. That’s what it is to play in Spain against Rafa. He’s the biggest sportsman here that ever lived. It’s a really special event.

“It is robust to shut a match in opposition to him. Realizing it may very well be his final… I simply went for it and it helped on the finish.”

The winner of the tie will face either Germany or Canada in the semi-finals on Friday.

Nadal helped Spain win the Davis Cup in 2004, 2008, 2009, 2011 and 2019.

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