Rafael Nadal lost to Botic van de Zandsjulph in the Davis Cup final, the final match of Nadal’s career.
Van de Zandsjulf won 6-4, 6-4, giving the Netherlands a 1-0 lead in the quarterfinals against Spain. It was Nadal’s second loss in Davis Cup singles, the other coming in his debut match against the Czech Republic in 2004.
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Spain’s new tennis king Carlos Alcaraz equalized after beating Tallon Griekspoor 7-6(7-0) 6-3.
However, Wesley Koolhoff and Botic van de Zandschulf spoiled the party by beating Alcaraz and Marcel Granollus 7-6 (7-4) 7-6 (7-3), securing the Netherlands a place in the semi-finals.
“The title, the number, it’s there. People probably know that. The way I want to be remembered more is as a nice guy from a small town in Mallorca,” the 38-year-old said. A court ceremony to celebrate his career.
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Thousands of Spanish fans flocked to the Martin Carpena Stadium, clad in red and yellow flags and scarves, ready to cheer on their national hero for perhaps the final moment.
Nadal’s eyes filled with tears as the national anthem was played movingly. But his trademark sprint to the back of the court showed he was serious.
This was Nadal’s eighth official competition this season, and his only singles match since the Olympics in July was an exhibition match in Saudi Arabia last month.
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Nadal revealed that he was retiring because his body was not capable of competing at the highest level.
Nadal, the 22-time Grand Slam champion, played well against the big-serve Dutchman, but his serve was broken late in the first set.
He started to fall off the pace, and no amount of collective goodwill could stop him from double collapsing in the second.
This greatest yellow ball warrior was determined to fight to the end, trying to regain one break and redeem himself on level terms.
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However, Van de Zandschulp is a player who has risen to 22nd place in the world. He finished the match by walking away after Nadal hit a final forehand, waving and kissing the crowd before shaking hands one last time. head.
I lost my first game in the Davis Cup and I lost my last game, so it would be good in some ways if that was my last game. Jiri Nowak, Czech Republic, 2004.
Van de Zandschulp said: “The crowd was strong, that’s understandable. That’s what it’s like to play in Spain against Rafa. He’s the biggest sportsman who has ever lived here. It’s a really special event.
“It’s hard to finish a game against him, knowing it could be his last… I just tried and it helped in the end.”
The winner of the tie will face either Germany or Canada in Friday’s semifinals.
Nadal helped Spain win the Davis Cup in 2004, 2008, 2009, 2011 and 2019.
Nadal in numbers…
1080 singles wins
It has been in the top 10 for 912 consecutive weeks.
1st place in the world for 209 weeks
92 single titles
63 clay single titles
Master 1000 units 36 units
30 Grand Slam finalists
22 Grand Slam titles
14th French Open winner
5th year-end 1st place
2 Olympic gold medals
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