The Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal took part in Spain’s Davis Cup appearance against the Netherlands played what was probably his last professional game and then said an emotional farewell. At the Davis Cup finals in Malaga on Tuesday afternoon, the 38-year-old lost his singles match against Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp 4:6, 4:6.
Carlos Alcaraz then won his singles against Tallon Griekspoor 7:6 (7:0), 6:3. Alcaraz and Marcel Granollers then lost the final doubles match against the two Dutchmen Wesley Koolhof and van de Zandschulp 6:7 (4:7), 6:7 (3:7) and thus sealed the hosts’ surprising exit.
First professional game since the end of the Olympics
Even before Nadal had even set foot on the Center Court in Malaga, the first shouts of “Rafa, Rafa” were echoing through the arena. There was loud cheering when the Mallorcan was introduced; Nadal was already clearly struggling with his emotions at this point. The Spanish tennis legend’s eyes moistened when the national anthem played. The Spanish fans continued to encourage Nadal during the game.
Nadal had faced the Serb since his second-round exit at the Paris Olympics Novak Djokovic no longer played an official match. Nadal had already announced his retirement in October.
In a final effort, the 22-time Grand Slam winner Nadal got himself into shape again for the Davis Cup finals. But in the game against van de Zandschulp, Nadal moved poorly. A mistake of his own ended the game and Nadal lost in two sets. The Mallorcan then said goodbye with a wave to the audience.
It felt like it was his last professional singles, said Nadal after his singles defeat. “I lost my first Davis Cup game and my last today as well. In a way it’s come full circle.” Afterwards, Nadal was excited in the stands, first at Alcaraz’s game and then at the doubles, ultimately in vain.
Long speech at farewell ceremony
After the performance against van de Zandschulp, it could no longer be assumed that Nadal would have been used again if Spain had progressed. It became too clear that Nadal was no longer physically capable of performing at a top level after all the injuries. If he were the team leader, he would make a change if he progressed, Nadal said. As a result of the elimination, team boss David Ferrer no longer has to make a decision.
After a few delays, the farewell ceremony for the long-time number one in the male tennis world began after midnight. The way he wanted to be remembered was as a good person from a small village in Mallorca, Nadal said at his farewell. In a long speech he thanked his family and many companions. He held back his tears for a long time. When messages from old rivals like Roger Federer or Novak Djokovic and Spanish sports stars like Andrés Iniesta or Raúl appeared on the video cube, Nadal cried.
The Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal took part in Spain’s Davis Cup appearance against the Netherlands played what was probably his last professional game and then said an emotional farewell. At the Davis Cup finals in Malaga on Tuesday afternoon, the 38-year-old lost his singles match against Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp 4:6, 4:6.
Carlos Alcaraz then won his singles against Tallon Griekspoor 7:6 (7:0), 6:3. Alcaraz and Marcel Granollers then lost the final doubles match against the two Dutchmen Wesley Koolhof and van de Zandschulp 6:7 (4:7), 6:7 (3:7) and thus sealed the hosts’ surprising exit.
