Botic van de Zandschulp and Wesley Koolhof defeated Carlos Alcaraz and Marcel Granollers, knocking Spain out of the Davis Cup.
Rafael Nadal’s final professional competition had long been expected to be the Davis Cup, with many hoping for a fairy tale conclusion.
Nadal announced his retirement earlier this year after suffering many injuries over the last few seasons.
The 22-time Major champion was set to retire at the end of 2024, and he was expecting to add to his four Davis Cup trophies in his final tournament.
It was rumored that Nadal will not play singles in the Davis Cup, but team leader David Ferrer chose the Spaniard to face Van de Zandschulp.
After falling short in his first competitive match in several months, Nadal relied on the rest of his Spain team to turn things around and extend his career.
Alcaraz defeated Tallon Griekspoor to force a doubles decider, but the Spaniards ultimately fell short, ending Nadal’s career.
Nadal’s last opponent recognized his amazing career.
Botic van de Zandschulp issues tribute to retiring Rafael Nadal
Following Van de Zandschulp beat Nadal 6-4, 6-4, in his final-ever match, the Dutchman took to social media to pay tribute to the legendary Spaniard.
“A special evening for many reasons,” he said.
“The most special reason was that it was the end of Rafael Nadal’s career as a professional tennis player.
“He is the player that I watched for hundreds of hours since I was a young kid who dreamed of playing on the big stages.
“I never imagined playing against him one day, especially to share this moment with a true legend.
“Gracias, Rafa.”
Van de Zandschulp was not the only tennis star to give their well wishes to Nadal, as numerous ATP and WTA players took to social media today to express their appreciation for the 38-year-old.
Ana Ivanovic, the former world number one, went to X to congratulate the Spaniard on his professional career.
“Congratulations on your incredible career, Rafael Nadal,” she said.
“Tennis is going to miss you.”
Nadal and Ivanovic won the men and women’s French Open titles back in 2008.
Could the Netherlands win their first-ever Davis Cup title?
Van van Zandschulp and the Netherlands have never won the Davis Cup, but they hope to establish new territory in 2024.
Reaching the last four matches their best achievement at the event, having been eliminated in the quarterfinals in both 2022 and 2023.
It won’t be an easy path to the championship, but it could be their greatest opportunity ever.
- Quarter final – Won 2-1 V Spain
- Semi-final – Germany/Canada
- Final – Italy/Argentina/USA/Australia
Van de Zandschulp is joined by Griekspoor, Jesper de Jong, and Koolhof, at the event, as they prepare for a tough semi-final tie against Germany or Canada.
Germany will take on Canada in the quarter-finals on Wednesday, with the winners facing off against the Netherlands on Friday.
