Rafael Nadal’s emotional farewell ends in Davis Cup Finals defeat as Netherlands stun Spain despite Carlos Alcaraz win

Rafael Nadal’s illustrious skilled tennis profession resulted in a shock defeat for Spain of their Davis Cup Finals quarter-final tie with Netherlands.

Nadal suffered a disappointing straight-sets, 6-4 6-4, defeat by the hands of Botic van de Zandschulp as Netherlands took the early lead, just for Carlos Alcaraz to beat Tallon Griekspoor and arrange a decider within the tie.

Nevertheless, regardless of Nadal roaring on his team-mates from the sidelines, together with a capability crowd, Alcaraz and Marcel Granollers misplaced 7-6(4) 7-6(3) to Wesley Koolhof and Van de Zandschulp within the essential doubles rubber.

The Spanish hero bowed out from the game in a particular ceremony on the conclusion of the motion as he delivered a prolonged speech to his adoring followers.

Nadal had solely ever misplaced as soon as when representing his nation on the Davis Cup and the followers have been decided to not let that occur once more as he served first with deafening assist and proceeded to get on the board to settle the early feelings.

It was clear that the stress of the event was attending to Van de Zandschulp as he dedicated three double-faults in succession in his opening service recreation, however he confirmed spectacular resolve to nonetheless come by way of and discover his toes.

The primary break of serve got here within the ninth recreation, and it was the Spanish followers who have been left crushed as Van de Zandschulp pounced to grab the benefit.

The 29-year-old, who’s ranked at No. 80 on the earth, proceeded to shut out the opening set with aplomb, and he carried that momentum into the second with a direct break of serve.

The chants of “Rafa! Rafa! Rafa!” continued, however they grew more and more determined because the Dutchman swiftly established a commanding lead within the second set with a double-break over Nadal.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion did handle to claw again a break of his personal to increase the set and provides the house followers hope, but it surely didn’t final lengthy.

As soon as Van de Zandschulp had closed out the snug victory, Nadal was left to obtain one other shifting ovation from the followers and depart the stage for Alcaraz to attempt to win again the tie for Spain.

Nadal was quoted as telling reporters after the match: “I really feel this was my final skilled singles match. I misplaced my first and my final Davis Cup singles match.”

Van de Zandschulp mentioned in his victorious on-court interview: “In the beginning, I believe we have been each nervous. The group was robust, understandably.

“That’s what it’s to play towards Rafa in Spain. He’s in all probability the most important sportsman in Spain to have ever lived.

“I’ve to say it’s robust to shut out a match towards him, understanding it may very well be his final. I felt I hoped a bit greater than going for it. I went for it and it helped ultimately.”

Within the second singles rubber, Alcaraz managed to beat Griekspoor in straight units to tee up a decider within the doubles, during which he returned to the courtroom alongside Granollers.

Nevertheless, it was to not be for Nadal, Alcaraz, Granollers or Spain as Koolhof and Van de Zandschulp edged two tie-breaks to assert a shock victory for Netherlands within the doubles rubber.

The evening nonetheless resulted in a becoming vogue with an emotional ceremony held on the courtroom in honour of Nadal on the conclusion of the tie – and his unimaginable profession.