Representing Team Spain, Rafael Nadal set off Davis Cup Final 8 proceedings for his country, playing the opening singles match against Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp, who prevailed over the retiring tennis legend 6-4, 6-4, launching the Netherlands campaign against Spain with victory.
After their quarterfinal contest, the Dutch player said: “In the beginning, I think we were both nervous. The first set didn’t go too smoothly; the crowd was tough, understandably. That’s what it’s like to play in Spain against Rafa. He’s the biggest sportsman that [has] ever lived here in Spain.”
Adding: “It’s tough to close out a match against him, knowing it could be his last or not. I was hoping more than going for it, but in the end, I just went for it and that helped.”
The former world No.1 battled hard throughout the one-hour, 53-minute encounter, which could have been his last singles match as a professional tennis player.
Ultimately, the 29-year-old, sharp on serve, found his way to neutralize the Spaniard, emerging victorious.
Speaking to the media, Nadal commented: “We went on court, we lived that moment, trying to do my best, trying to stay as positive as possible, positive energy, it was not enough.”
“Hats off to Botic. He was better than me; now it’s not necessary to analyze the match anymore.”
“I lost my first match at the Davis Cup, and I lost my last one, so we close the circle.”
Afterward, the King of Clay returned to support his team from the bench as countryman Carlos Alcaraz hit the court to face Tallon Griekspoor in the second singles match of the day.
The world No. 3 took on the challenge to keep his nation’s chances alive, and following a brilliant performance, he knocked out Griekspoor 7-6(0), 6-3 to level the tie and send it to decisive doubles.
“It was an emotional day, but once you step on court you have to forget everything, and show your best tennis. It’s a really important tournament for me and everyone,” Alcaraz asserted after his match.
“I tried to play my best tennis to get the win and give Spain the chance to qualify and win today. And yeah, I did it for Rafa.”
“So let’s see how it goes in the doubles, hopefully, we are going to get the win.”
The four-time Grand Slam champion returned to the court to play doubles alongside Marcel Granollers on Tuesday night; the winner will progress to the last four at the Davis Cup.
At the time of writing, the Spanish team was squaring off against Dutch duo Van de Zandschulp/Wesley Koolhof, tied 4-4 in a close opener.