Rafael Nadal beaten by Botic van de Zandschulp at Davis Cup Finals in Malaga in final career match

[ad_1] 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.

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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 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. Individuals in all probability know that. The best way 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 have a good time his profession.

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The Spanish followers flocked to the Martin Carpena Area of their 1000's, 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 match this season, whereas his solely singles matches because the Olympics in July got here in an exhibition occasion in Saudi Arabia final month.

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Nadal reveals his physique's lack of ability to compete on the highest stage has pressured him into retirement Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam champion, put up a very good 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 biggest of yellow-ball warriors was decided to struggle to the tip, retrieving one break and making an attempt to claw himself again on stage phrases.

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However Van de Zandschulp isn't any mug, the Dutchman having been ranked as excessive as 22 on this 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.

"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 group was robust. Comprehensible. That is what it's to play in Spain towards Rafa. He is the most important sportsman right here that ever lived. It is a actually particular occasion.

"It is robust to shut a match towards him. Figuring out it could possibly 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.

Nadal in numbers...

1080 singles wins

912 consecutive weeks contained in the Prime 10

209 weeks as World No 1

92 singles titles

63 singles titles on clay

36 Masters 1000s

30 Grand Slam finals

22 Grand Slam titles

14 French Open titles

5-time year-end No 1

2 Olympic gold medals

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