Rafael Nadal crushed by Botic van de Zandschulp at Davis Cup Finals in Malaga in last profession match

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 towards Spain. It was solely Nadal’s second Davis Cup loss in singles, with the opposite approaching his debut towards 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, that means a deciding doubles can be required to settle the conflict.

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

Talking throughout his press convention, the 38-year-old admitted: “I feel that this was my last professional singles match.”

“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,” stated Nadal, whose Davis Cup profession started with defeat by Czech Republic’s Jiri Novak in 2004.

The Spanish followers flocked to the Martin Carpena Enviornment of their hundreds, draped in crimson 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 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 a superb struggle towards 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 stop 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 is not any mug, the Dutchman having been ranked as excessive as 22 on the planet, and he closed out the match as Nadal netted a last forehand earlier than waving and blowing kisses to the group, strolling off with a last shake of the pinnacle.

Van de Zandschulp stated: “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 powerful to shut a match towards him. Realizing it might 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.

Social media response

Sky Sports activities+ has formally launched and shall be built-in into Sky TV, streaming service NOW and the Sky Sports activities app, giving Sky Sports activities prospects entry to over 50 per cent extra dwell sport this 12 months at no additional price. Discover out extra right here.