Rafael Nadal fell to a straight-sets defeat in Spain’s Davis Cup quarter-final conflict with the Netherlands in what may show the ultimate match of his illustrious profession.
Nadal will formally retire after the match and was picked by captain David Ferrer to steer out his facet within the opening match in Malaga.
However the 22-time Grand Slam champion was unable to summon his greatest tennis in his first aggressive outing because the Paris Olympics in July, finally failing to a 6-4 6-4 defeat towards World No. 80 Botic van de Zandschulp.
The defeat may mark Nadal’s ultimate match as an expert ought to Spain fail to win the ultimate two matches towards their Dutch opposition.
Breaking down in tears because the nationwide anthem rung out beforehand, Nadal gave little away within the opening levels however was not noticeably restricted in his capacity to maneuver rapidly across the court docket.
And with Van de Zandschulp rising into the encounter, the 38-year-old was finally damaged to provide the Dutchman a 5-4 lead within the first set.
Van de Zandschulp made no mistake, serving out the ultimate sport to wrap up the primary set earlier than breaking Nadal’s serve instantly once more at the beginning of the second set.
The 29-year-old threatened to run away with the competition when he broke for a 3rd time within the contest to take a 4-1 lead within the second set.
Nevertheless, Nadal fought again valiantly, creating a number of alternatives earlier than breaking straight again within the following sport.
Finally, although, the Dutchman would maintain his nerve, serving out his ultimate two video games to silence the partisan residence crowd and declare an enormous victory towards the Spaniard.
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