Rafael Nadal suffered defeat to Botic van de Zandschulp in potentially his final match as a professional as the Nertherlands went 1-0 up against Spain in their Davis Cup quarter-final.
Nadal will retire at the end of the hosts’ participation in the event and now faces an anxious wait to see if his illustrious career will be extended by another few days. There were glimpses of the 38-year-old’s remarkable talent in his 6-4, 6-4 defeat, but the Spaniard was unable to match Van de Zandschulp consistently enough to capitalise on a few serving woes from the Dutchman in front of a passionate crowd in Malaga.
It means that the 22-time grand slam champion is reliant upon Carlos Alcaraz beating Tallon Griekspoor in the second singles rubber to have hope of featuring again on court in a semi-final against Germany or Canada on Friday. Should Alcaraz win, he will team up with Marcel Granollers in a deciding doubles encounter with the impressive Van de Zandschulp and Wesley Koolhof, who is also playing the final competition of his career.
Re-live all of the action from Nadal’s potential farewell in our live blog below:
Spain vs Netherlands - Davis Cup quarter-final LIVE
- Spain take on the Netherlands in the first Davis Cup quarter-final
- The retiring Rafael Nadal has been beaten in what may be the final match of his illustrious career
- Carlos Alcaraz plays Tallon Griekspoor in the second singles rubber aiming to set up a doubles decider
- GAME, SET AND MATCH! Botic van de Zandschulp beats Rafael Nadal (6-4, 6-4)
- SET! Van de Zandschulp goes in front against Nadal (6-4)
Rafael Nadal suffers defeat at Davis Cup in possible farewell to tennis
19:13 , Harry Latham-CoyleRafael Nadal was unable to conjure a Davis Cup fairytale as he suffered defeat to Botic van de Zandschulp on an emotional evening in Malaga.
The 38-year-old is playing in his farewell tournament having finally accepted last month that his body would no longer allow him to compete at the highest level.
He was still hoping for one final victory on home soil – and that could yet still come if his Spanish team-mates can turn around the quarter-final against the Netherlands to send the home nation to the semi-finals – but Van de Zandschulp spoiled the party with a 6-4 6-4 victory.
Rafael Nadal suffers defeat at Davis Cup in possible farewell to tennis
Serena Williams reacts to Rafael Nadal’s potential farewell
18:40 , Harry Latham-CoyleRafael Nadal was almost overcome with emotion during the Spanish national anthem earlier, and it appears his fellow tennis great is also struggling:
Why am I getting so choked up. With @RafaelNadal retirement. I’m not good at goodbyes
— Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) November 19, 2024
Spain 0-1 Netherlands
18:26 , Harry Latham-CoyleRafael Nadal 4-6, 4-6 Botic van de Zandschulp
Carlos Alcaraz vs Tallon Griekspoor
if required: Carlos Alcaraz/Marcel Granollers vs Wesley Koolhof/Botic van de Zandschulp
Botic van de Zandschulp reacts after beating Rafael Nadal
18:18 , Harry Latham-Coyle“In the beginning, I think we were both nervous. The first serve didn’t go smoothly, the crowd were tough - understandable. Rafa is the biggest sportsman in Spain that has ever lived. It is a really special event.
“It is tough to close out a match against him, knowing it may be his last. At 4-3, 0-40, I just went for it, and it helped in the end. There are too many people from Spain here cheering for him! But if I was sitting next to the court, I’d be cheering for him as well.”
GAME, SET AND MATCH! Botic van de Zandschulp beats Rafael Nadal (6-4, 6-4)
18:14 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe bane of Spain strikes again! Carlos Alcaraz at the US Open and now Rafael Nadal at the Davis Cup - Botic van de Zandschulp claims a second significant scalp to put the Netherlands 1-0 up in this quarter-final.
Will we see Rafael Nadal in singles action again? He’ll be reliant on Carlos Alcaraz winning the second singles tie.
Rafael Nadal 4-6, 4-5 (30-40) Botic van de Zandschulp*
18:12 , Harry Latham-CoyleA powerful second serve is thumped two inches long. Match point.
Rafael Nadal 4-6, 4-5 (30-30) Botic van de Zandschulp*
18:12 , Harry Latham-CoyleOutstanding tennis! A scintillating rally ends with Rafael Nadal just about still in touch, Botic van de Zandschup somehow collecting what had seemed to have been a perfect drop volley but unable to get his scoop up, over and down in time to land in bounds.
Into the net! Back to all-square in the game as the Dutchman makes a careless volleying error.
Rafael Nadal 4-6, 4-5 (0-30) Botic van de Zandschulp*
18:10 , Harry Latham-CoyleRafael Nadal plunges his face into his strings as a would-be forehand winner drifts agonisingly long. An ambitiously attacking backhand is wide - the bell is tolling...
Rafael Nadal 4-6, 4-5 Botic van de Zandschulp*
18:07 , Harry Latham-CoyleBut two zippy serves provide succour. A crisp crunch from overhead goes unreturned - Rafael Nadal is alive, for now.
Rafael Nadal 4-6, 3-5 (15-30) Botic van de Zandschulp
18:05 , Harry Latham-CoyleA mis-hit return from Botic van de Zandschulp bounces awkwardly on Rafael Nadal, whose groundstroke is errant.
Rafael Nadal* 4-6, 3-5 Botic van de Zandschulp
18:03 , Harry Latham-CoyleOoh - Botic van de Zandschulp is struggling for composure here. His latest double fault is followed by a terrible forehand that disturbs the fans in the second row beyond the baseline.
What an answer! A crunching ace up the centre.
It’s followed by another two points later to ease the pressure, and a third seals a hold. Rafael Nadal will serve to stay in the match...and maybe prolong his career.
Rafael Nadal 4-6, 3-4 Botic van de Zandschulp*
17:59 , Harry Latham-CoyleAdrenaline coursing through his veins, Nadal roars into the first couple of points of his service game, his celebrations expending energy that he then lacks in two double faults.
That forehand is long, too! Nadal hurries to a bouncing ball but catches it too soon, loosely whipping it a couple of yards too far.
Can Botic van de Zandschulp move to within a game of victory? No, a fantastic half-volley pick-up shot from Nadal at the net keeps the game alive.
And he’s soon back within a game in this second set! Another break may still be required but the 38-year-old is pulling himself back from the brink.
Rafael Nadal* 4-6, 2-4 Botic van de Zandschulp
17:50 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe groundstrokes echo around the Jose Maria Martin Carpena Arena, the home fans stunned into silence with the end, perhaps, near.
But here comes the noise, extra energy injected as Nadal hammers the sort of forehand the home crowd haven’t seen often enough. Break point!
Saved! Super stuff from Botic van de Zandschulp, briefly baffled by a drop shot but showing off his stride length to get there and then parrying with distinction like a fencer at the net.
Another glimpse - Van de Zandschulp rather tamely sends a ball from hip height into the top of the net. But again the chance goes begging...
But Nadal breaks at the third attempt! The Spanish supporters erupt as their great champion shows all of his fighting spirit.
Rafael Nadal 4-6, 1-4 Botic van de Zandschulp*
17:42 , Harry Latham-Coyle“Rafa! Rafa!” comes the cry from the fans in Malaga, imploring their man to find a fightback that feels more and more unlikely as he slips again to 30-40. Rafael Nadal manages to make it to deuce, but Botic van de Zandschulp bops a backhand into the far corner to earn another break point.
Taken! A crisp passing shot and that may, sadly, be that for Nadal’s chances...
Rafael Nadal* 4-6, 1-3 Botic van de Zandschulp
17:36 , Harry Latham-CoyleNow then! A foot fault from Botic van de Zandschulp having already netted a serve opens the door at 0-30...
Slammed shut. A lovely sliding volley on the backhand side helps the Dutchman extricate himself.
Rafael Nadal 4-6, 1-2 Botic van de Zandschulp*
17:29 , Harry Latham-CoyleVan de Zandschulp’s groundstrokes in this last little period have been excellent. His ability to generate depth from beyond the baseline has been particularly impressive, not allowing Rafael Nadal to step in or set up that big forehand.
An error allows the veteran to do exactly that, pushing him to 40-30 in front. But then Nadal errs, another opportunity to launch off his left wing given too much oomph.
Two more deuces follow. And another - Nadal grunts and grimaces as he nets a backhand to end a 17-shot exchange.
But finally, Nadal battles to a vital, vital hold, chasing brilliantly after a lob and retrieving it magnificently with a spinning hook played with power and panache. How he needed that!
Rafael Nadal* 4-6, 0-2 Botic van de Zandschulp
17:22 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt just feels like Botic van de Zandschulp has the firepower and range of strokes to get himself out of danger at the moment, with Rafael Nadal lacking physical and mental sharpness. From 15-30, the Dutchman holds without undue fuss. The 38-year-old needs to find something.
Rafael Nadal 4-6, 0-1 Botic van de Zandschulp*
17:17 , Harry Latham-CoyleA mighty forehand from Botic van de Zandschulp is a fine start to the second set from a Dutch perspective, and a further indication that he is starting to find his range.
But how about that! A leaping, arcing backhand volley is played to absolute perfection by the Rafael Nadal, curving into the corner to leave Van de Zandschulp bounding after it fruitlessly like an ageing golden retriever.
Good stuff, this - the Dutchman hits back with a checked forehand return that is too deep and too good for Nadal to deal with. And a helping hand from the net cord sets up a break point. Wide! Nadal is broken for a second time in succession as Van de Zandschulp consolidates his position of strength.
SET! Rafael Nadal 4-6 Botic van de Zandschulp
17:06 , Harry Latham-CoyleAnd the first set is secured impressively by Botic van de Zandschulp, that lone break all that was required in an otherwise nip-and-tuck encounter.
A few serving quivers, but otherwise it has been solid enough from the Dutchman. Rafael Nadal has work to do.
Rafael Nadal 4-5 Botic van de Zandschulp*
17:02 , Harry Latham-CoyleA delicious return from Botic van de Zandschulp, flicking his wrist to float a top-spin forehand past an approaching Rafael Nadal at 15-15. A futile lunge from Nadal as it passes him, and then an unforced error in rallying puts him in real strife.
Two break points, and a second serve to attack. The first is saved as Van de Zandschulp finds the net...but the second is snatched brilliantly by a superb backhand cross! First blood to the Dutchman at just the right time.
Rafael Nadal* 4-4 Botic van de Zandschulp
16:57 , Harry Latham-CoyleA couple of wobbly moments for Botic van de Zandschulp as his serving woes of earlier re-appear. A huge slice drags Rafael Nadal virtually into the first row, though, and the Spaniard is unable to hook the ball back into play. Eight straight games without a break.
Rafael Nadal 4-3 Botic van de Zandschulp*
16:52 , Harry Latham-CoyleA big serve bails Rafael Nadal out of a bit of bother at 30-30, but a slight misstep in his footwork in the next rally leaves the Spaniard short of power. That serve is in good working order, though, the volley not required as Botic van de Zandschulp’s return fails to cross the divide. Nadal completes the job, to the delight of most of the 9,500 or so inside the arena.
Rafael Nadal 3-3 Botic van de Zandschulp*
16:46 , Harry Latham-CoyleBotic van de Zandschulp very nearly makes it three games without a point on return, though tugs a forehand wide a 40-0. No harm done - still on serve in Spain.
Rafael Nadal 3-2 Botic van de Zandschulp*
16:41 , Harry Latham-CoyleRafael Nadal gives it the big’un as he rips a forehand up the line with fluency and force. Some more serve-and-volley antics continue an intriguing tactical gambit, but they are effective again - four straight points for Spain and we remain without a break.
Rafael Nadal* 2-2 Botic van de Zandschulp
16:38 , Harry Latham-CoyleFor the second service game in a row, Botic van de Zandschulp wins the first three points - and there is no throwing away of a position of strength here, Nadal pushed back by a boomer and a hold to love secured.
Rafael Nadal 2-1 Botic van de Zandschulp*
16:35 , Harry Latham-CoyleVan de Zandschulp looks more comfortable in his return game, able to work his way into the rallies. Frustratingly, though, a driven backhand runs long for him, with a beaten Nadal able to watch it beyond the baseline.
The Spaniard serves and volleys for a second time in the match and once more his opponent can’t beat him after a soft initial shot at the net. On serve we remain.
Rafael Nadal* 1-1 Botic van de Zandschulp
16:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleA frisson of excitement gives way to frustration as the home fans clock that a trademark flourishing forehand has come down just wide, denying the home hero a point.
But is the occasion getting to Botic van de Zandschulp? After racing to 40-0, three woeful double faults allow Rafael Nadal back in to the game.
That’s good steel from the tall right hander, though, surviving a long rally to earn advantage and then completing his hold.
Rafael Nadal 1-0 Botic van de Zandschulp*
16:24 , Harry Latham-CoyleRafael Nadal gets on the board immediately after, but another of those deep, powerful approaching forehands nudges the Dutchman back ahead.
Into an extended rally, with Nadal showing off his own attacking array, drawing a pat from beyond the baseline that fails to clear the net cord. 30-30. A passing shot also ends up meshed - 40-30.
And Rafa is up and running. An opening hold is secured with the help of a big serve up the centre as the structural integrity of the Malaga roof is tested for the first time by a mighty roar.
Rafael Nadal 0-0 (0-15) Botic van de Zandschulp
16:20 , Harry Latham-CoyleA confident start from Botic van de Zandschulp, pumping a forehand across court and then finishing neatly with a backhand volley to take the first point of the match.
Rafael Nadal vs Botic van de Zandschulp
16:20 , Harry Latham-CoyleHere we go then. Rafael Nadal will serve first in potentially his final match in professional tennis.
Rafael Nadal vs Botic van de Zandschulp
16:19 , Harry Latham-CoylePlenty of tennis luminaries on site, as one would expect. Rafael Nadal’s coach Carlos Moya and Carlos Alcaraz each watch on with a little nervous energy, the past, present and future of Spanish tennis blending together.
Rafael Nadal vs Botic van de Zandschulp
16:14 , Harry Latham-CoyleA mighty roar from a pretty much capacity crowd as the two players warm up. Rafael Nadal is 2-0 against his Dutch opponent, but Botic van de Zandschulp has enjoyed a strong year - that stunning win over Carlos Alcaraz at the US Open was a particular highlight, of course.
Rafael Nadal vs Botic van de Zandschulp
16:11 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe players are out on court in Malaga, with Spain captain David Ferrer giving a few final words of encouragement to his retiring icon. It must be a strange situation for Ferrer to manage, this.
Rafael Nadal vs Botic van de Zandschulp
16:07 , Harry Latham-CoyleRafael Nadal, incidentally, has lost just once in 30 previous Davis Cup singles matches. How will the veteran’s body hold up today having played so sparingly over the last few years?
Spain vs Netherlands matches in full
15:50 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt will just be an outing in singles for Rafael Nadal today, though Carlos Alcaraz is primed to double up - he plays Tallon Griekspoor in his individual rubber, and then will partner Marcel Granollers if required.
Quarter final schedule: Spain vs Netherlands
From 4pm GMT
Rafael Nadal vs Botic van de Zandschulp
after 15 minutes
Carlos Alcaraz vs Tallon Griekspoor
after 30 minutes
Carlos Alcaraz/Marcel Granollers vs Wesley Koolhof/Botic van de Zandschulp
Roger Federer pens emotional letter to Rafael Nadal ahead of final tournament
15:40 , Harry Latham-CoyleRoger Federer has penned an emotional letter online to his great rival and friend Rafael Nadal ahead of the Spaniard’s retirement from tennis.
Nadal, who has won 22 Grand Slams compared to Federer’s 20, will hang up his racket after representing Spain at this week’s Davis Cup Finals in Malaga.
Federer retired in 2022, playing doubles alongside Nadal in his final match at the Laver Cup in London, and the Swiss maestro paid tribute to 38-year-old Nadal and his “epic career” in a post on social media.
Roger Federer pens emotional letter to Rafael Nadal ahead of final tournament
Davis Cup finals schedule
15:25 , Harry Latham-CoyleHere’s what the schedule looks like over the next few days:
Quarter-finals
Tuesday 19 November: Spain vs Netherlands - from 4pm BST
Wednesday 20 November: Germany vs Canada - from 11am BST
Thursday 21 November: USA vs Australia - from 9am BST
Thursday 21 November: Italy vs Argentina - not before 4pm BST
Semi-finals
Friday 22 November: Spain/Netherlands vs Germany/Canada - from 4pm BST
Saturday 23 November: USA/Australia vs Italy/Argentina - from 12pm BST
Final
Sunday 24 November: TBC vs TBC - from 3pm BST
BREAKING - Rafael Nadal to play opening Davis Cup rubber
15:12 , Luke BakerIt’s now official. Rafael Nadal will be playing in the first singles match for Spain this afternoon, against Botic van de Zandschulp.
That starts at 4pm BST and will be box office, as Nadal plays what could be his final match of professional tennis. Not to be missed
THIS. IS. NOT. A. DRILL 🔥
— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) November 19, 2024
Rafael Nadal will face Botic van de Zandschulp in the opening match between Spain and Netherlands!#DavisCup #GraciasRafa pic.twitter.com/n7LXDSdehA
Rafael Nadal was more than a genius with a racket - his eccentric style made him an icon
15:00 , Kieran JacksonFrom the sleeveless teenage superstar who was virtually unbeatable for three months every spring to the all-court genius who defied the limits of his body to conquer the lot, it’s been quite the ride for Rafael Nadal in professional tennis.
A formal farewell – beyond the ‘will he, won’t he?’ of the summer – has been in the pipeline for some time. Last month, aged 38, Nadal confirmed that he will call time on his astonishing career at the end of the season, acknowledging “a difficult last two years” playing “with limitations.”
Nadal was more than a genius with a racket - his eccentric style made him an icon
A look at Rafael Nadal's 22 Grand Slam titles as he prepares to retire after the Davis Cup
14:45 , Harry Latham-CoyleRafael Nadal showed up at the French Open for the first time as a teenager in 2005 and left as the champion. He won it for the final time in 2022 at age 36 — his last major championship anywhere.
Fittingly, his bookend Grand Slam titles came at Roland Garros, and it’s impossible to discuss Nadal’s career without mentioning that site. Still, it’s also important to remember that he completed a career Grand Slam, earning at least two trophies at each of his sport’s four most prestigious tournaments.
As Nadal, now 38, gets set to head into retirement after the Davis Cup Final 8 — which begins Tuesday with his country, Spain, facing the Netherlands — here is a look at his 22 major triumphs, starting with the most recent:
A look at Rafael Nadal's 22 Grand Slam titles as he prepares to retire after the Davis Cup
Rafael Nadal intent on success in Davis Cup farewell: ‘I’m not here to retire — I’m here to help the team win’
14:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleRafael Nadal will not dwell on his impending retirement at the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga and focus on helping Spain claim the title this week.
Nadal will call time on his glittering career spanning more than two decades at the team competition. The 22-time grand Slam champion has said previously he may only play doubles if it gives the team a better chance of winning a seventh title.
“If I’m on the court I hope to control my emotions. I’m not here to retire. I’m here to help the team win. It’s my last week in a team competition and the most important thing is to help the team,” Nadal said.
“The emotions will come at the end. Before and after I will be focused on what I have to do.”
Rafael Nadal: ‘I’m not here to retire — I’m here to help the team win’
Spain vs Netherlands LIVE
11:16 , Harry Latham-CoyleA very good afternoon and welcome along to The Independent’s LIVE coverage of what should be a thrilling, and potentially emotional, Davis Cup quarter-final. A retiring Rafael Nadal is featuring for the final time in professional tennis this week, with his Spanish squad taking on the Netherlands for a last-four place.
The 22-time grand slam champion cast aside any sense of sentimentality ahead of the encounter, declaring that he is intent on victory in Malaga. Will Nadal’s swansong extend into a semi-final and beyond?
The action should get underway at about 4pm GMT.
