Rafael Nadal Farewell: Tennis legend Rafael Nadal ends his sensational and iconic career with a defeat, as Spain have been eliminated from Davis Cup 2024 after losing 2-1 to Netherlands.
The 22-time Grand Slam winner lost to Botic van de Zandschulp 6-4; 6-4 in Game 1 of the quarter-final tie between Spain and Netherlands, and the Dutch did not read the script written by fans in Malaga, as the home crowd was left stunned with Spain’s shocking exit.
Botic van de Zandschulp secures a 1-0 lead in the tie! 🇳🇱
He takes down Rafael Nadal 6-4 6-4 for a dream start in Malaga 👏#DavisCup | @Boticvdz | @KNLTB pic.twitter.com/3F13u9Kf4B
— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) November 19, 2024
Reigning Wimbledon and French Open champion, Carlos Alcaraz, won his fixture but that was not enough to grant Rafael Nadal one more match in his career, as he now retires as one of the all-time greats.
The Spanish legend could not hold his tears, as he was seen emotional during Spain’s national anthem before they took on Netherlands for a place in the semi-fonal of Davis Cup 2024.
Watch the video here:
An emotional anthem for @RafaelNadal 🥹#DavisCup | @RFETenis pic.twitter.com/wZNt3kmB9x
— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) November 19, 2024
Nadal Vs Botic | As It Happened
From fan support, to those memorable backhands, forehands, down-the-line points, the match had it all. However, injuries have troubled Rafael Nadal from past 24 months, and the 38-year-old was marred by fatigue, as he lost in straight sets to bring an end to a glorious career.
Here are the highlights of Rafael Nadal’s final-ever match:
Up first in Malaga 👀
🇳🇱 @Boticvdz 🆚 @RafaelNadal 🇪🇸#DavisCup pic.twitter.com/cia8upvSe6
— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) November 19, 2024
Rafa is feeling it 🔥#DavisCup | @RafaelNadal pic.twitter.com/DBs1KTmaYl
— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) November 19, 2024
Rafa is unleashing the forehand early 🤩#DavisCup | @RafaelNadal pic.twitter.com/IoCxcr3M8p
— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) November 19, 2024
Botic van de Zandschulp finds the space for the winner 🎯#DavisCup | @Boticvdz pic.twitter.com/TQ0Aqgl2XT
— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) November 19, 2024
What a point between these two 😍#DavisCup pic.twitter.com/MoQDuRjeVv
— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) November 19, 2024
Botic goes across the court to break 🤯#DavisCup | @Boticvdz pic.twitter.com/4wcUK8W4OD
— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) November 19, 2024
Advantage @Boticvdz 🇳🇱
He takes the first set 6-4 over @RafaelNadal 👏#DavisCup pic.twitter.com/KZ88BgtkNS
— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) November 19, 2024
Simply incredible from Rafa! 🤩#DavisCup | @RafaelNadal pic.twitter.com/IwkyOhIFOn
— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) November 19, 2024
Brilliant defence from Botic! 🚫#DavisCup | @Boticvdz pic.twitter.com/sYMRcZKsuw
— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) November 19, 2024
What a point from @RafaelNadal and @Boticvdz 🤯
That crowd reaction too 🔥#DavisCup pic.twitter.com/AiTJStT2YC
— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) November 19, 2024
BANG 💥
Sealed with a huge overhead from @RafaelNadal 🙌#DavisCup pic.twitter.com/fywQKhoFic
— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) November 19, 2024
Pure Botic brilliance with the passing shot 🤩#DavisCup | @Boticvdz pic.twitter.com/beu81Z3Amj
— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) November 19, 2024
Rafa with a HUGE forehand 🔥#DavisCup | @RafaelNadal pic.twitter.com/yZ9PnQsQZV
— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) November 19, 2024
Ridiculous Rafa! 🤯#DavisCup @RafaelNadal #Rafa #GraciasRafa pic.twitter.com/IU0GPrUhNQ
— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) November 19, 2024
A dream start in Malaga for @Boticvdz and @KNLTB 🇳🇱#DavisCup pic.twitter.com/yDI59NXZpn
— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) November 19, 2024