Davis Cup

2024 - 11 - 20

Rafa Says Adios! Nadal's Last Dance at Davis Cup Ends in Defeat

Nadal -- Rafael Nadal Botic van de Zandschulp - Davis Cup - Grand Slam Titles - Netherlands - Rafael Nadal - Spain - Sports Retirement - Tennis - Nadal

Rafael Nadal's potential last match of his career at the Davis Cup saw him fall short against Botic van de Zandschulp. Is this really the end for the legend?

In a dramatic turn of events, tennis legend Rafael Nadal took to the court for what could be his final match in the illustrious Davis Cup. The tension in Málaga was palpable as fans held their breath, hoping to witness one last stellar performance from the 22-time Grand Slam champion. Unfortunately, the tennis gods had other plans in mind. Nadal faced off against Botic van de Zandschulp and was ultimately defeated in straight sets with a score of 6-4, 6-4, leaving spectators and fans grappling with the reality of the situation: this could surely be the end of an era.

As Nadal donned the Spanish colors one last time, the bittersweet reality weighed heavily on not just him but also the loyal fans who filled the stands in support. The match was not only a testament to Nadal's determination to compete for his country but also a heartbreaking moment for those who've followed his remarkable career. The opening singles match against the Netherlands not only marked a pivotal point in the tournament but also served as a poignant farewell for the superstar, who expressed that this match was “probably my last.”

Despite the disappointment of the result, Nadal's dedication to the sport and his home country remains unwavering. This Davis Cup quarter-final was the culmination of an astounding journey marked by triumphs, heartaches, and a never-give-up attitude that turned him into an enduring icon in the tennis world. As he made his way off the court to an emotional crowd, it was clear that Nadal had left his mark, demonstrating his sportsmanship and undying passion even in defeat.

For fans of tennis, the 2024 Davis Cup Finals will forever resonate as a memory of Rafael Nadal's beautiful legacy in the sport. Whether you watched him conquer clay or thrill crowds on hard courts, his impact stretches beyond just numbers; it’s about the moments he created, the inspiration he provided, and the endless love for the game that shone through every match he played. Here’s a quirky fact—Nadal has more Grand Slam titles than any other male player before him, but he also has a knack for “rumbling” in grand style, considering he once played in jeans during a charity match! Another fun tidbit: despite his hefty trophies, Nadal’s favorite food is nothing extravagant—it’s simple spaghetti!

Post cover
Image courtesy of "ESPN"

Davis Cup: Rafael Nadal loses potential last match of career - ESPN (ESPN)

Rafael Nadal lost what was potentially the final match of his professional tennis career 6-4, 6-4 to Botic van de Zandschulp in the Davis Cup.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "CNA"

Nadal to play singles for Spain at Davis Cup in final competition (CNA)

MALAGA, Spain : Soon-to-retire Rafael Nadal will open Spain's Davis Cup quarter-final against the Netherlands on Tuesday in a singles match against Botic ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Eurosport.com"

Rafael Nadal's Davis Cup Finals farewell begins with singles defeat ... (Eurosport.com)

Rafael Nadal suffered a disappointing straight-sets defeat to Botic van de Zandschulp as the Netherlands took the early lead in their Davis Cup Finals tie.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Hindustan Times"

Rafael Nadal vs Botic van de Zandschulp Davis Cup Finals 2024 ... (Hindustan Times)

Rafael Nadal vs Botic van de Zandschulp Davis Cup 2024 Finals Highlights: Rafa loses the final match of his career 4-6, 4-6 in Malaga.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "The Independent"

Davis Cup LIVE: Rafael Nadal beaten in potential farewell as Spain ... (The Independent)

The hosts fell behind in their quarter-final after Nadal was beaten in straight sets by Botic van de Zandschulp.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "FRANCE 24"

Retiring Nadal to play singles for Spain against Netherlands in ... (FRANCE 24)

Rafael Nadal will play for Spain in their opening Davis Cup finals singles rubber against the Netherlands on Tuesday.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "The New York Times"

Rafael Nadal live updates: Retiring tennis legend beaten in Davis ... (The New York Times)

Follow live reaction after as Rafael Nadal was beaten in straight sets by Botic van de Zandschulp in what could be the final match of his career.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "FRANCE 24"

'Probably my last match': Nadal after Davis Cup singles defeat (FRANCE 24)

Retiring tennis superstar Rafael Nadal said his Davis Cup quarter-finals singles defeat by Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp on Tuesday was "probably my last ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Yahoo Sports"

How to watch Rafael Nadal's last run at the 2024 Davis Cup Finals (Yahoo Sports)

Rafa is playing the last tournament of his career this week. Here's how to tune into the men's World Cup of tennis.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Olympics"

Rafael Nadal defeated in straight sets in last professional ... (Olympics)

The two-time Olympic gold medallist fell to Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp in the first match of the Davis Cup Final 8 quarter-final.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "ATP Tour"

Rafael Nadal playing singles at Davis Cup Final 8 | ATP Tour | Tennis (ATP Tour)

Rafael Nadal is on court in Malaga as Spain kicks off its Davis Cup Final 8 campaign against the Netherlands. The former World No. 1 is playing Botic van de ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "The Straits Times"

Rafael Nadal loses in Davis Cup quarter-finals singles opener (The Straits Times)

Nadal will call time on his career at the end of Spain's participation in the Davis Cup tournament, after two injury-ravaged years.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "CNA"

Nadal beaten in Davis Cup farewell by Netherlands' Van de ... (CNA)

MALAGA, Spain : Rafael Nadal suffered defeat in what could be the final professional match of his glittering career as the 22-times Grand Slam champion lost ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "The Guardian"

Rafael Nadal beaten at Davis Cup finals in potential farewell from ... (The Guardian)

Rafael Nadal was comprehensively defeated 6-4, 6-4 by Botic van de Zandschulp in the opening Davis Cup rubber between Spain and the Netherlands.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Eurosport.com"

Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz reflect on Davis Cup loss in ... (Eurosport.com)

Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz have given their reactions after their contrasting singles results in their Davis Cup Finals rubber against Netherlands.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "CNA"

Nadal beaten in Davis Cup farewell by Netherlands' Van de ... (CNA)

MALAGA, Spain : Rafael Nadal suffered defeat in what could be the final professional match of his glittering career as the 22-times Grand Slam champion lost ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Yahoo Sports"

Rafael Nadal loses to Botic van de Zandschulp at Davis Cup in ... (Yahoo Sports)

Rafael Nadal lost what could be the final match of his career before retirement, but there's no shame in that.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "The Straits Times"

Old magic missing as Nadal bids farewell with Davis Cup defeat (The Straits Times)

Tennis - Davis Cup Finals - Quarter Final - Netherlands v Spain - Palacio de Deportes Jose Maria Martin Carpena Arena, Malaga, Spain - November 19, 2024 Spain's Rafael Nadal reacts during his match against Netherlands' Botic van de Zandschulp ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "FRANCE 24"

Rafael Nadal glittering tennis career comes to end after Davis Cup ... (FRANCE 24)

Tennis legend Rafael Nadal retired from tennis as Spain lost to the Netherlands in the Davis Cup quarter-finals. The 38-year-old, a 22-time Grand Slam ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Eurosport.com"

Davis Cup finals recap: Rafael Nadal's professional tennis career is ... (Eurosport.com)

Eurosport is your go-to source for breaking Tennis headlines, including what's happening in Davis Cup live updates. Watch replays, interviews and ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "CNA"

No regrets for Spain captain Ferrer after Nadal's Davis Cup defeat (CNA)

MALAGA, Spain : Spain's Davis Cup captain David Ferrer said he had no regrets about fielding Rafa Nadal in their quarter-final singles opener against the ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "The Guardian"

'We close the circle': Rafa Nadal makes emotional exit after Davis ... (The Guardian)

Rafael Nadal says he has 'closed the circle' on his time in tennis as his storied career came to an end at the Davis Cup in Málaga.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Bangkok Post"

Tears flow as fans salute retiring Nadal after Davis Cup defeat (Bangkok Post)

MALAGA, Spain: Rafael Nadal said farewell to tennis and his fans saluted their retiring hero in a bittersweet and emotional ceremony at a sold-out Malaga ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "ESPN"

Rafael Nadal's career ends as Spain is ousted at Davis Cup - ESPN (ESPN)

Rafael Nadal's incredible tennis career came to an end Tuesday as Spain lost its Davis Cup quarterfinal against the Netherlands.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Aljazeera.com"

Retiring Rafael Nadal's career ends as Spain is ousted at Davis Cup (Aljazeera.com)

Nadal's superlative career was celebrated in front of his home crowd after Netherlands upset Spain in the Davis Cup.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Yahoo Sports"

Rafael Nadal loses to Botic van de Zandschulp at Davis Cup in final ... (Yahoo Sports)

Rafael Nadal lost what could be the final match of his career before retirement, but there's no shame in that.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "CNA"

Germany overpower Canada to set up Davis Cup semi with ... (CNA)

MALAGA, Spain : Germany beat Canada 2-0 on Wednesday to reach the Davis Cup semi-finals where they will face the Netherlands who advanced with a stunning ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "FRANCE 24"

Germany power past Canada to reach Davis Cup semis (FRANCE 24)

Three-time Davis Cup winners Germany eased into the semi-finals with a 2-0 victory against Canada on Wednesday.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "tenniscanada.com"

Canada Eliminated by Germany in Davis Cup Quarter-Finals ... (tenniscanada.com)

Gabriel Diallo and Denis Shapovalov got the call for Team Canada in the singles but neither was able to pull out a win. Diallo lost the opening match to Daniel ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Olympics"

Davis Cup: Germany reap rewards from singles selections to sweep ... (Olympics)

Daniel Altmaier and Jan-Lennard Struff secured singles wins in the Davis Cup Final 8 to send Germany into the semi-finals against the Netherlands.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "The Straits Times"

Germany overpower Canada to set up Davis Cup semi with ... (The Straits Times)

They will face the Netherlands, who advanced with a stunning upset of hosts Spain. Read more at straitstimes.com.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Sky Sports"

Rafael Nadal beaten by Botic van de Zandschulp at Davis Cup ... (Sky Sports)

Rafael Nadal retires from tennis after Spain lose to the Netherlands at Davis Cup Finals: watch all the action from the ATP and WTA Tours on Sky Sports ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "FRANCE 24"

'I did it for Rafa': Alcaraz after keeping Spain Davis Cup dream alive (FRANCE 24)

Carlos Alcaraz kept Spain and Rafael Nadal's Davis Cup hopes alive by beating Netherlands' Tallon Griekspoor to level the quarter-final tie at 1-1 on ...

Explore the last week