Davis Cup
Rafael Nadal’s last appearance? LIVE from 5 p.m.
Tennis star Rafael Nadal has lost what is probably the last match of his unique career in Spain's Davis Cup quarter-final duel with the Netherlands. The 38-year-old lost 4:6, 4:6 to Botic van de Zandschulp in Malaga on Tuesday despite frenetic crowd support.
"It feels like that was my last professional singles match," said Nadal. Carlos Alcaraz then equalized for the hosts with a 7:6-6:3 win against Tallon Griekspoor.
Even before Nadal had entered the center court in the Palacio de Deportes Jose Maria Martín Carpena, the first shouts of "Rafa, Rafa" echoed through the arena. Deafening cheers erupted when the Majorcan was introduced, Nadal was already visibly struggling with his emotions at this point. The Spanish tennis legend's eyes grew moist as the national anthem played.
Nadal with great difficulties
In the first set, neither Nadal nor Van de Zandschulp showed any weakness until 4:4, when the Dutchman earned two break points and used the second to make it 5:4. He then served out the set without any problems. In the second set, Nadal, who was visibly struggling to match the level of the 80th-ranked player in the world, had to fight in all his service games. The 22-time Grand Slam winner conceded the first and third.
At 1:4, the Majorcan made up a break and then fought his way back to 3:4. However, the former star was then unable to take the service from his opponent and Van de Zandschulp put "Oranje" 1:0 in front. "I went out there, tried to do my best and have fun, play with the right energy and the right attitude, but it just didn't work out," said Nadal.
If he were the team captain, he would make a change if he made it through, meaning he would no longer line up in the singles. "But I will continue to work hard to help the team if I am needed again." In the event of the Spaniards advancing, this could be the case in the doubles, for example.
Alcaraz equalized with a working victory
Alcaraz then provided the expected equalizer. Although the world number three had a few problems against Griekspoor in the first set and was a break behind, he won the set in a tie-break to nil. The favorite remained unchallenged in the second set. "It's an emotional day. It's a very important tournament for me, for everyone here," explained Alcaraz. "I tried to play my best tennis to win. And yes, I did it for Rafa." The doubles match between Alcaraz/Marcel Granollers and Van de Zandschulp/Wesley Koolhof will now decide whether Nadal's career is over for good.
Here are the statistics for the match:
For Nadal, the appearance was his first official match since his second-round exit at the Summer Olympics in Paris. There he had lost to his permanent Serbian rival Novak Djokovic. His lack of match practice and form were clearly noticeable in Malaga.
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