Rafael Nadal's emotional farewell ends in Davis Cup Finals defeat as Netherlands stun Spain despite Carlos Alcaraz win
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Updated 19/11/2024 at 23:35 GMT
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Rafael Nadal's hotly anticipated farewell from tennis at the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga ended in a disappointing quarter-final defeat for Spain against Netherlands in Malaga on Tuesday evening. Botic van de Zandschulp spoilt the party with a fine victory over Nadal in the opening singles rubber, and Carlos Alcaraz's singles win could not save the day as Netherlands won the doubles decider.
Highlights: Nadal suffers defeat at Davis Cup in possible final match
Video credit: SNTV
Rafael Nadal's illustrious professional tennis career ended in a surprise defeat for Spain in their Davis Cup Finals quarter-final tie with Netherlands.
Nadal suffered a disappointing straight-sets, 6-4 6-4, defeat at the hands of Botic van de Zandschulp as Netherlands took the early lead, only for Carlos Alcaraz to beat Tallon Griekspoor and set up a decider in the tie.
However, despite Nadal roaring on his team-mates from the sidelines, along with a capacity crowd, Alcaraz and Marcel Granollers lost 7-6(4) 7-6(3) to Wesley Koolhof and Van de Zandschulp in the crucial doubles rubber.
The Spanish hero bowed out from the sport in a special ceremony at the conclusion of the action as he delivered a lengthy speech to his adoring fans.
There were emotional scenes right from the outset as Nadal initially strode out with his Spain team-mates amid a raucous standing ovation from the fans chanting his name.
Nadal had only ever lost once when representing his country at the Davis Cup and the fans were determined not to let that happen again as he served first with deafening support and proceeded to get on the board to settle the early emotions.
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'I did it for Rafa' - Alcaraz dedicates victory over Griekspoor to Nadal on 'emotional day'
Video credit: SNTV
It was clear that the pressure of the occasion was getting to Van de Zandschulp as he committed three double-faults in succession in his opening service game, but he showed impressive resolve to still come through and find his feet.
The first break of serve came in the ninth game, and it was the Spanish fans who were left crushed as Van de Zandschulp pounced to seize the advantage.
The 29-year-old, who is ranked at No. 80 in the world, proceeded to close out the opening set with aplomb, and he carried that momentum into the second with an immediate break of serve.
The chants of "Rafa! Rafa! Rafa!" continued, but they grew increasingly desperate as the Dutchman swiftly established a commanding lead in the second set with a double-break over Nadal.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion did manage to claw back a break of his own to extend the set and give the home fans hope, but it did not last long.
Once Van de Zandschulp had closed out the comfortable victory, Nadal was left to receive another moving ovation from the fans and leave the stage for Alcaraz to try to win back the tie for Spain.
Nadal was quoted as telling reporters after the match: "I feel this was my last professional singles match. I lost my first and my last Davis Cup singles match."
Van de Zandschulp said in his victorious on-court interview: "At the beginning, I think we were both nervous. The crowd was tough, understandably.
"That is what it is to play against Rafa in Spain. He is probably the biggest sportsman in Spain to have ever lived.
"I have to say it is tough to close out a match against him, knowing it could be his last. I felt I was hoping a bit more than going for it. I went for it and it helped in the end."
In the second singles rubber, Alcaraz managed to overcome Griekspoor in straight sets to tee up a decider in the doubles, in which he returned to the court alongside Granollers.
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Highlights: Alcaraz keeps Spain in Davis Cup with victory over Griekspoor
Video credit: SNTV
However, it was not to be for Nadal, Alcaraz, Granollers or Spain as Koolhof and Van de Zandschulp edged two tie-breaks to claim a shock victory for Netherlands in the doubles rubber.
The night still ended in a fitting fashion with an emotional ceremony held on the court in honour of Nadal at the conclusion of the tie - and his incredible career.
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