The loss towards Botic van de Zandschulp on the Davis Cup Finals is destined to stay the final match of Rafael Nadal’s profession. The Spanish legend had arrived in Malaga a number of days early to apply and adapt to the floor, however everybody thought he would solely be deployed in doubles within the first tie towards the Netherlands.
Towards all predictions, Spanish captain David Ferrer fielded Rafa in singles, a alternative that turned out to be completely flawed for quite a lot of causes. The previous world No. 1 had performed solely 19 matches in 2024, his final official event had been the Paris Olympics greater than three months in the past, he had not performed a match on the indoor laborious courtroom for 2 years and his athletic decline was evident to everybody.
Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal© Roland Garros/Instagram – Honest Use
Ferrer made a really dangerous determination, which was decisive for the elimination of Spain on Day 1. Carlos Alcaraz’s victory over Tallon Griekspoor within the second singles was not sufficient, as Netherlands prevailed with full advantage within the decisive doubles.
The 14-time French Open champion was celebrated on the finish of the tie, however the environment was very unhappy on account of Spain’s untimely elimination. Nobody thought the Spanish workforce could be eradicated so quickly, which is why Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray and Roger Federer had been anticipated in Malaga for Friday’s semifinal.
Van de Zandschulp on beating Rafa
Nadal has given his finest as he has at all times carried out all through his profession, however his present degree isn’t sufficient to compete on the highest degree. If van de Zandschulp hadn’t stiffened within the second set, Rafa’s defeat would have been much more peremptory.
In a latest interview, Botic commented on defeating Nadal within the final match of his superb profession: “I haven’t really thought about it, actually. Of course it’s been different,” he mentioned. “I played him twice. Played him in Roland Garros, Wimbledon. I think he was a different player there maybe physically.”
He continued: “I thought he was, I won’t say struggling, but of course you see he gets older, and the injuries are taking its toll, I think. So, yeah, I haven’t really thought about being the last man to beat Rafa, but maybe I will in a couple of days.”
This disappointment on the Davis Cup Finals doesn’t within the least have an effect on the legacy of the 22-time Grand Slam champion, who has made the historical past of tennis and sport normally. Maybe the final chapter of his profession may have been much more memorable, however some unhealthy selections prevented Rafa from having fun with his final dance extra.
The Spanish legend has been an instance for his angle each on and off the courtroom, an inspiration for younger gamers who’ve approached the game over the past 20 years. The 14-time French Open champion mentioned he wish to be remembered as a very good individual, who managed to show his pastime right into a job.
Among the finest ever
Rafa has shocked the world many instances throughout his profession, not solely because of his triumphs on pink clay, but additionally because of his capacity to develop into a really sturdy participant on all surfaces.
Rafael Nadal, Davis Cup Finals 2024© Stream screenshot
Roger Federer retired on the Laver Cup in 2022, whereas 2024 was the yr of Andy Murray and Rafa Nadal’s retirement. Throughout an interview with ‘Tennis Majors’, 2014 US Open champion Marin Cilic spoke about Federer, Nadal and Murray’s problem within the final a part of their careers: “With Roger, Andy, and Rafa, it happened quite suddenly. So you never know, it’s very similar to life. You have to do the best you can.
I think it was a bit of a pity to see Roger and Rafa doing well and then being out like that. Same for Andy when he was at the top, then having to go through these hip surgeries.
The sport was a little bit cruel to them: how much they gave to the sport, and yet it was gone in a second.
I hope I can still be competitive, just to give myself a chance. I would love to play another two or three seasons. I will try to take care of the scheduling by maybe playing fewer tournaments. The motivation is still there.”
It’s true that 2024 represented the tip of an period, however Novak Djokovic will nonetheless be lively on the skilled tour subsequent yr. The Serbian legend remains to be aggressive on the highest degree, though he has not received a single title this season. The 37-year-old from Belgrade will attempt to shock the world by defeating two champions a lot youthful than him in Jannik Sinner and Carlitos Alcaraz.
