Nadal loses in Davis Cup: Was that it?

Rafael Nadal has probably lost the last game of his impressive tennis career.

19 November 2024

From: dpa/sn

The 22-time Grand Slam tournament winner was beaten 4:6, 4:6 in the quarterfinals of the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga by Botic van de Zandschulp from the Netherlands, and was never able to return to his glory days. The match was over after 1.52 hour and XNUMX minutes. The defeat does not mean the end for Spain. In the second singles, Carlos Alcaraz will face Tallon Griekspoor, and then, if Alcaraz wins, the doubles match will take place.

However, after his performance against van de Zandschulp, it is unlikely that Nadal will play again if Spain advances. It has become too clear that the 38-year-old is no longer physically capable of performing at the top level.

Nadal emotional before the match

Even before Nadal had even entered the centre court, the first cries of "Rafa, Rafa" were echoing through the arena. When the Mallorcan was introduced, deafening cheers erupted; Nadal was already clearly struggling with his emotions at this point. The Spanish tennis legend's eyes moistened when the national anthem was played.

The Spanish fans also kept encouraging Nadal during the match. And the long-time world number one could use all the support he could get. The 38-year-old had not played an official match since his second-round exit at the Olympic Games in Paris against Serbian Novak Djokovic. And this lack of match practice was clear from the start.

Last effort is not enough

In a final effort, Nadal got himself back in shape for the Davis Cup finals after announcing his retirement at the end of the year in October. But the truth on Centre Court was different. Nadal moved badly, and there was little sign of the power of days gone by. Even the support of the spectators didn't help in the end. An avoidable mistake by Nadal ended the match. The Mallorcan then waved goodbye to the crowd - possibly forever.

Schlagwörter: Tennis Davis Cup Rafael Nadal