Retiring tennis superstar Rafael Nadal lost 6-4, 6-4 to Botic van de Zandschulp in the Davis Cup quarter-final singles opener on Tuesday, giving the Netherlands a 1-0 lead over Spain.
The 22-time Grand Slam winner will retire from professional tennis after Spain runs in the tournament in Malaga ends, following two years marred by injuries. Team captain David Ferrer confirmed Nadal’s participation in this critical match.
During the Spanish national anthem, an emotional Nadal witnessed chants of “Rafa, Rafa” from the crowd. Nadal, who had won 29 of his last 30 Davis Cup singles matches since his 2004 debut, faced Van de Zandschulp, having beaten him in both previous encounters.
Nadal settled early nerves by recovering from 15-30 to win the first game. World number 80 Van de Zandschulp managed to hold his serve despite three consecutive double faults.
Rafa Nadal after his loss to van de Zandschulp at Davis Cup:
“I feel this was my last professional singles match.” 💔 pic.twitter.com/2j0ayiguZm
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) November 19, 2024With his physical condition diminished, Nadal, ranked 154th, tried to shorten points using powerful serves and sharp forehands, punctuating successful plays with his signature fist pump and roar.
Van de Zandschulp exploited Nadal’s weaker backhand, and on the indoor hard court—a challenging surface for Nadal, the ‘King of Clay’—the Spaniard struggled with returns.
The Dutchman broke Nadal at 4-4 with a cross-court winner, then took the set by winning his second set point, dampening the spirits of the Spanish supporters.
Rafa Nadal came back out to support Carlos Alcaraz after his loss at Davis Cup.
These two. ❤️
pic.twitter.com/7rneLNpeNK
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) November 19, 2024In the second set, Nadal fought back from 0-30 but failed to hold his serve, allowing his opponent to break. Nadal faced intense pressure down a set and a break but held serve in the third game, which was met with the night’s loudest applause.
Van de Zandschulp broke again for a 4-1 lead, maintaining his advantage with strong play. Nadal broke back in the sixth game and held serve to reduce the deficit to 4-3.
Read: Federer Pays Emotional Tribute to Nadal Ahead of Retirement
Nadal then staved off a break point and won consecutive games for the first time in the match, giving his all in what might be his final appearance.
Van de Zandschulp held his serve, ending the eighth game with two strong aces, and served for the match after Nadal held. Nadal then made errors, hitting long to set up the match point and netting a shot to give Van de Zandschulp the win.
Carlos Alcaraz, ranked third in the world, will face the Netherlands’ Tallon Griekspoor in the next match, hoping to keep Spain’s Davis Cup hopes alive and extend Nadal’s career. The victor will meet either Germany or Canada in the semi-finals.
