Team Spain started competition against the Netherlands, with Rafael Nadal facing Botic Van De Zandschulp, the 80th-ranked ATP player.
Nadal has been part of Team Spain’s five Davis Cup wins since 2004. It was fitting that he would end his Hall of Fame career playing for his country one final time.
He fought back the tears during the introduction.
An emotional anthem for @RafaelNadal 🥹#DavisCup | @RFETenis pic.twitter.com/wZNt3kmB9x
— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) November 19, 2024
It was not to be today. Nadal fell in straight sets to Van De Zandschulpt.
The Netherlands lead 1-0 with Carlos Alcaraz up next in singles in the best-of-three event. If Alcaraz wins, the deciding match is in doubles. Sentimental fans will want to see Nadal and Alcaraz together, but that is yet to be determined.
Maybe the last time. ❤️ 🥹 @RafaelNadal, always a legend 👏 #DavisCup pic.twitter.com/SUu3TLgepT
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) November 19, 2024
How Rafael Nadal Played
Nadal has thrived on consistent matchplay to be at his very best. He has not played since the Paris Olympics. That long layoff was evident as he struggled. There was a brief rally in the second set as Nadal would not go away quietly, but he looked rusty. It did not help that indoor hardcourts are his least favorite.
Nadal was disappointed to lose the match for Team Spain, but Spanish fans embraced the moment with loud cheers, encouraging signs, and much respect for the best tennis player their country has ever seen.
Who Was There?
There was a question as to whether Roger Federer would be there. He was not pictured in the stands. Federer wrote a letter to Nadal that he published on social media earlier in the day.
Nadal’s family was there supporting him most notably his son Rafa Jr.
Conclusion
Rafael Nadal was the epitome of character, sportsmanship, and effort throughout his career. Fans will never forget how he played or his record-setting 14 French Open championships, a feat that no one expects to be repeated.
Practically everyone in the world is a Rafael Nadal fan. He is beloved. An example of that was found in Italian WTA player World No. 4 Jasmine Paolini who was on site for the Billie Jean King Cup Finals and spent days getting the nerve to ask for a picture with the Spanish legend. She documented the struggle on Instagram. Alas, she did. Nadal, ever the humble superstar, could play again in doubles, but if not, thanks for the memories Rafa and VAMOS.
🚨Jasmine Paolini got her picture with Nadal! pic.twitter.com/eiMGVVJhFB
— Mario Boccardi (@marioboc17) November 19, 2024
