Davis Cup LIVE: Rafael Nadal beaten in potential farewell as Spain take on Netherlands
The hosts fell behind in their quarter-final after Nadal was beaten in straight sets by Botic van de Zandschulp
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Rafael Nadal suffered defeat to Botic van de Zandschulp in potentially his final match as a professional as the Nertherlands went 1-0 up against Spain in their Davis Cup quarter-final.
Nadal will retire at the end of the hosts’ participation in the event and now faces an anxious wait to see if his illustrious career will be extended by another few days. There were glimpses of the 38-year-old’s remarkable talent in his 6-4, 6-4 defeat, but the Spaniard was unable to match Van de Zandschulp consistently enough to capitalise on a few serving woes from the Dutchman in front of a passionate crowd in Malaga.
It means that the 22-time grand slam champion is reliant upon Carlos Alcaraz beating Tallon Griekspoor in the second singles rubber to have hope of featuring again on court in a semi-final against Germany or Canada on Friday. Should Alcaraz win, he will team up with Marcel Granollers in a deciding doubles encounter with the impressive Van de Zandschulp and Wesley Koolhof, who is also playing the final competition of his career.
Re-live all of the action from Nadal’s potential farewell in our live blog below:
Rafael Nadal suffers defeat at Davis Cup in possible farewell to tennis
Rafael Nadal was unable to conjure a Davis Cup fairytale as he suffered defeat to Botic van de Zandschulp on an emotional evening in Malaga.
The 38-year-old is playing in his farewell tournament having finally accepted last month that his body would no longer allow him to compete at the highest level.
He was still hoping for one final victory on home soil – and that could yet still come if his Spanish team-mates can turn around the quarter-final against the Netherlands to send the home nation to the semi-finals – but Van de Zandschulp spoiled the party with a 6-4 6-4 victory.
Rafael Nadal suffers defeat at Davis Cup in possible farewell to tennis
The 38-year-old’s straight sets defeat to Botic van de Zandschulp may have been the last match of his career
Serena Williams reacts to Rafael Nadal’s potential farewell
Rafael Nadal was almost overcome with emotion during the Spanish national anthem earlier, and it appears his fellow tennis great is also struggling:
Spain 0-1 Netherlands
Rafael Nadal 4-6, 4-6 Botic van de Zandschulp
Carlos Alcaraz vs Tallon Griekspoor
if required: Carlos Alcaraz/Marcel Granollers vs Wesley Koolhof/Botic van de Zandschulp
Botic van de Zandschulp reacts after beating Rafael Nadal
“In the beginning, I think we were both nervous. The first serve didn’t go smoothly, the crowd were tough - understandable. Rafa is the biggest sportsman in Spain that has ever lived. It is a really special event.
“It is tough to close out a match against him, knowing it may be his last. At 4-3, 0-40, I just went for it, and it helped in the end. There are too many people from Spain here cheering for him! But if I was sitting next to the court, I’d be cheering for him as well.”
GAME, SET AND MATCH! Botic van de Zandschulp beats Rafael Nadal (6-4, 6-4)
The bane of Spain strikes again! Carlos Alcaraz at the US Open and now Rafael Nadal at the Davis Cup - Botic van de Zandschulp claims a second significant scalp to put the Netherlands 1-0 up in this quarter-final.
Will we see Rafael Nadal in singles action again? He’ll be reliant on Carlos Alcaraz winning the second singles tie.
Rafael Nadal 4-6, 4-5 (30-40) Botic van de Zandschulp*
A powerful second serve is thumped two inches long. Match point.
Rafael Nadal 4-6, 4-5 (30-30) Botic van de Zandschulp*
Outstanding tennis! A scintillating rally ends with Rafael Nadal just about still in touch, Botic van de Zandschup somehow collecting what had seemed to have been a perfect drop volley but unable to get his scoop up, over and down in time to land in bounds.
Into the net! Back to all-square in the game as the Dutchman makes a careless volleying error.
Rafael Nadal 4-6, 4-5 (0-30) Botic van de Zandschulp*
Rafael Nadal plunges his face into his strings as a would-be forehand winner drifts agonisingly long. An ambitiously attacking backhand is wide - the bell is tolling...
Rafael Nadal 4-6, 4-5 Botic van de Zandschulp*
But two zippy serves provide succour. A crisp crunch from overhead goes unreturned - Rafael Nadal is alive, for now.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments