"I lost my first and my last Davis Cup singles match": Rafael Nadal confirms career all but over after opening defeat in Malaga

Rafael Nadal fell to Botic van de Zandschulp 4-6, 4-6 in the first match of the Davis Cup 2024 quarterfinals. Carlos Alcaraz is now playing Tallon Griekspoor to keep Spain's hopes alive in the competition.

After the match, Rafa had some clear words of farewell: "I feel that this has been my last professional singles match", confessed the Spaniard. Should the Spaniards continue to advance in the tournament, he still does not rule out playing doubles. "I lost my first and my last Davis Cup singles match," he added.

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Davis Cup Finals 2024: Rafael Nadal potentially defeated for final time with Botic van de Zandschulp loss

“If we win and make the semifinals, the easier way will probably be selecting Roberto Bautista to play in my place. But it’s not my decision.”

In the match against van de Zandschulp, Nadal gave his all as usual but was clearly limited by his physique and lack of competition. The Dutchman, a player of great size and executioner of Carlitos in the last US Open, took advantage of it to take it in two straight sets.