Tennis star before the end of his career
Nadal after defeat: “Feels like the last singles”
Rafael Nadal has fought back again. But in what was probably his last game, it became clear that it was simply no longer enough.
After what was very likely the last game of his impressive career, Rafael Nadal waved briefly to the audience, then disappeared disappointedly into the dressing room. “It feels like that was my last professional singles,” said the 38-year-old a little later after the 4:6, 4:6 against the Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp in the Davis Cup quarter-finals in Malaga.
Nadal had already announced that he would end his career after the Davis Cup Finals in his home country. The deserved defeat against van de Zandschulp does not have to be the last appearance of the 22-time Grand Slam tournament winner. In the second singles, Carlos Alcaraz meets Tallon Griekspoor, after which the doubles will be played if Alcaraz wins.
Nadal would make a swap himself
But after the performance against van de Zandschulp, it cannot be assumed that Nadal will be used again if Spain advances. It became too clear that the 38-year-old is no longer physically capable of performing at the top level after all the injuries.
If he were the team leader, he would make a change if he progressed, Nadal said. “But I will continue to work hard to help the team if I’m needed again.” However, this should only be the case in doubles at most. In any case, Nadal has not yet been officially adopted due to the uncertain situation.
Nadal emotional before the game
Even before Nadal had even set foot on Center Court, the first shouts of “Rafa, Rafa” were echoing through the arena. There was deafening cheers 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. And the long-time number one in the world could use all the support. The 38-year-old had not played an official match since his second-round exit at the Olympic Games in Paris against the Serbian Novak Djokovic. And this lack of match practice became clear from the start.
Last effort is not enough
In a final show of strength, Nadal got himself into shape again for the Davis Cup Finals. But the truth on Center Court was different. Nadal moved poorly and there was no longer much of the force of days gone by. Even the support of the audience didn’t help in the end. A mistake by Nadal ended the game. The Mallorcan then waved goodbye to the audience – possibly forever.
dpa
