Botic van de Zandschulp and Wesley Koolhof beat Carlos Alcaraz and Marcel Granollers to knock Spain out of the Davis Cup.
The Davis Cup was set to be Rafael Nadal’s final tournament as a professional for quite some time, with many hoping for a fairy tale ending.
Nadal announced his retirement earlier this year after suffering with numerous injuries over the past couple of seasons.
The 22-time Major champion was ready to retire at the end of 2024 and was hoping to add to his four Davis Cup titles, in his final ever tournament.
It had been suggested that Nadal may not play singles at the Davis Cup, but team captain David Ferrer chose the Spaniard to face off with Van de Zandschulp.
Coming up short in his first competitive match in several months, Nadal was reliant on the rest of his Spain team to turn things around and prolong his career.
Alcaraz took down Tallon Griekspoor to take things to a doubles decider, but eventually, the Spaniards fell short, bringing Nadal’s career to a close.
A legendary career, that Nadal’s last opponent was keen to recognize.
Botic van de Zandschulp issues tribute to retiring Rafael Nadal
After 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 wasn’t the only tennis star to send their best wishes to Nadal, as countless ATP and WTA stars have taken to social media today to share their gratitude towards the 38-year-old.
One such star is former world number one Ana Ivanovic who took to X, congratulating the Spaniard on his time as a professional.
“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 de Zandschulp and the Netherlands have never won the Davis Cup, but will be hoping to break new ground in 2024.
Reaching the last four has matched their best result at the event, after being knocked out at the quarter-final stage in both 2022, and 2023.
It won’t be an easy run to the title, but it might be their best chance yet.
- 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.
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