Rafael Nadal loses what could be the last singles match of his career. He loses 4:6, 4:6 to Botic van de Zandschulp at the start of the Davis Cup quarter-finals against the Netherlands in Malaga.
Up until 4:4 in the first set, a happy ending was also possible for Nadal and the many Spanish fans who had come to the stadium especially for him. After that, the 80th-ranked player in the world from the Netherlands was better, even if the tennis icon created a bit of tension again with his only break after the 1:4 in the second set.
Nadal, who had announced just over a month ago that the Davis Cup in Malaga would be his last appearance as a professional tennis player, had not played on the tour since the Olympic Games. In order for the 22-time Grand Slam tournament winner to get another chance to appear in the singles, Carlos Alcaraz will have to force an equalizer and the final doubles match against Tallon Griekspoor.
SDA
