Rafael Nadal lined up for what was to be the final match of his career and emerged disappointed on Tuesday after taking a 6-4, 6-4 loss to Botic van de Zandschulp and the Netherlands grabbed a 1-0 lead over Spain in their quarter-final.
The 38-year-old king of clay signed off after a two-decade career bloated by records but marred by near-constant injuries.
Nadal acolyte Carlos Alcaraz pulled the evening level as he beat Tallon Griekspoor 7-6 (0), 6-3.
Later in the day, Van de Zandschulp partnered Wesley Koolhof to a 7-6(4), 7-6(3) doubles victory against Carlos Alcaraz and Marcel Granollers that brought the curtain down on Nadal’s career.
He last competed at the Paris Olympics, losing to Novak Djokovic in the second round.
“I have to say in the beginning, I think we were both nervous. I have to say the first service game didn’t go smoothly,” the Dutch winner said.
“The crowd was tough of course but understandable.
“That’s what it is to play here in Spain against Rafa. I think he’s the biggest sportsman here in Spain that ever lived. So it was a really special event.”
“There was no pressure, pre-match, to put me in the line up,” Nadal said on the decision by captain David Ferrer.
“I was not sure to play… that’s the truth. A lot of conversations during the week, on and off.
“I was not sure because I knew that something like what happened today (straight-sets loss) could happen.”
“But after yesterday’s practice, (I was) quite positive, I practiced well. David was confident I was the player to play. Me playing the first match was a risk.”
Nadal added: ““Of course the emotions feeling the national anthem for the last time as a professional was very special.
“A bit of mixed feelings makes things a bit more difficult. But that’s it.
“We went on court. We live that moment. I tried to do my best.”
Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam champion, is hoping to help Spain to a fifth Davis Cup title after trophies in 2004, 2009, 2011 and 2019.
Main photo:- Rafa Nadal goes down fighting – by ATPTour.com
