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 manner 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 celebration 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. Folks in all probability know that. The way in which I might wish to be remembered extra is sort of a good particular person from a small village in Mallorca,” stated 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 purple 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 courtroom confirmed he meant enterprise.

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

Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam champion, put up battle 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 biggest of yellow-ball warriors was decided to battle to the tip, retrieving one break and attempting to claw himself again on degree phrases.

However Van de Zandschulp is not any mug, the Dutchman having been ranked as excessive as 22 on this 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 top.

“In some methods it’s good, perhaps, if that was my final match as a result of I misplaced my first match within the Davis Cup and I misplaced my final one. We shut the circle,” stated Nadal, whose Davis Cup profession started with defeat by Czech Republic’s Jiri Novak in 2004.

Van de Zandschulp stated: “The gang was robust. Comprehensible. That is what it’s to play in Spain in opposition to Rafa. He is the largest sportsman right here that ever lived. It is a actually particular occasion.

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

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

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

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