A retiring Rafael Nadal misplaced 4-6, 4-6 to Netherlands’ Botic van de Zandschulp in a Davis Cup Finals quarter-final singles rubber on Tuesday because the Dutch took a 1-Zero lead in opposition to Spain.
Nadal, who holds 22 Grand Slam titles, has introduced his intention to retire from skilled tennis after the Davis Cup match in Malaga. This resolution follows a interval marked by accidents.
There was uncertainty relating to Nadal’s participation till David Ferrer, the staff captain, confirmed Nadal’s presence within the first singles match of the finals.
The Spanish nationwide anthem performed as a visibly moved Nadal stood earlier than the cheering crowd, who chanted his identify enthusiastically.
“Rafa! Rafa!”
Nadal had a powerful document within the Davis Cup, with 29 victories in his final 30 singles matches. His two earlier matches in opposition to Van de Zandschulp had additionally resulted in wins.
The veteran participant’s preliminary nervousness appeared to dissipate after he recovered from a 15-30 deficit to safe the primary sport.
Van de Zandschulp, ranked 80th on this planet, confronted a setback when he served three consecutive double faults. Nonetheless, he regained his composure to carry serve.
Nadal, at present ranked 154th, aimed for shorter factors, using highly effective serves and showcasing his famend forehand. His signature fist pump and roar adopted.
Van de Zandschulp focused Nadal’s backhand, a technique that proved difficult for the Spaniard to counter, notably on the indoor arduous courtroom, a floor removed from Nadal’s favoured clay.
At 4-4, the Dutchman earned two break factors and capitalised on the second with a well-placed cross-court winner, giving him a major lead. He then transformed his second set level.
Nadal mounted a comeback within the second set, recovering from 0-30 down, however he could not convert it right into a maintain. Van de Zandschulp capitalised on the Spaniard’s prolonged play, securing the primary break and growing the strain.
Trailing a set and a break, Nadal fought relentlessly to realize a foothold. He persevered via intense strain on his serve within the third sport, in the end holding and eliciting probably the most fervent applause of the night.
Van de Zandschulp maintained his momentum, holding his serve after which breaking Nadal’s serve as soon as extra to take a 4-1 lead. One other cross-court winner after a demanding rally sealed the break.
Regardless of the difficult scenario, Nadal showcased his unwavering willpower, breaking again within the sixth sport by changing his third break level. This glimmer of hope grew stronger as he held his serve, decreasing the deficit to 4-3.
The Spaniard, giving his all in what could possibly be his closing match, saved a break level and gained two consecutive video games for the primary time within the match.
Van de Zandschulp, displaying his personal resilience, held serve within the eighth sport with two highly effective aces. Nadal adopted go well with, leaving Van de Zandschulp serving for the match.
Nadal’s closing sport noticed him hitting a shot lengthy to concede match level after which hitting the web, sealing the victory for his Dutch opponent.
Spain’s hopes of advancing within the Davis Cup now relaxation on World No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz. He faces Tallon Griekspoor of the Netherlands within the second rubber.
The winner of this match will advance to the semi-finals, the place they’ll face both Germany or Canada.
