Nadal in action against Netherlands in Davis Cup quarters

Rafael Nadal will represent Spain in their Davis Cup finals opening singles match against the Netherlands on Tuesday.
The legendary tennis player, who will retire after this tournament, has been chosen by team captain

David Ferrer

to compete against

Botic van de Zandschulp

in Malaga.
This Davis Cup competition marks the conclusion of Nadal’s remarkable professional career spanning nearly 23 years.
The winner of 22 Grand Slam titles has experienced numerous injury setbacks in recent years, which ultimately influenced his decision to retire.

Live Updates
Van de Zandschulp breaks Nadal again
* Van de Zandschulp breaks Nadal in the opening game of the second set, putting immediate pressure on the Spaniard. The Dutchman played aggressive, clean tennis, exploiting Nadal’s few unforced errors and seizing the early advantage.
Van de Zandschulp takes the first set
* Van de Zandschulp holds to his serve after breaking Nadal to win the first set 6-4. Leading 40-0 with three set points, the Dutch fans are ecstatic. Van de Zandschulp hits a shot wide on his first set point but capitalizes on the second, sealing the set with a powerful serve.

Van de Zandschulp breaks Nadal to lead 5-4 in the first set
* Van de Zandschulp breaks Nadal’s serve, securing a crucial break to lead 5-4 in the first set. The Dutchman capitalised on a few unforced errors from Nadal, displaying strong, consistent play to take control of the set.
Nadal 4-3 Van de Zandschulp
* Nadal starts to feel the pressure when Botic closes in on his 30-0 lead with two forehand winners down the line. Nadal responds with a big serve but then hits a backhand into the net, bringing the score to deuce. With the game on the line, he nails a crucial first serve, shouting “Vamos!” and shaking his fist in celebration, regaining control of the game.
Nadal holds to love, makes it 3-2
* Nadal finds his rhythm and serves with precision, holding to love against Van de Zandschulp. With a series of powerful serves and clean groundstrokes, he dominates the game, showcasing the mastery that has defined his career.
Nadal makes it 2-1 after holding his second serve
* Nadal finds himself trailing once more at 15-30. Botic targets the Spaniard’s backhand, but Nadal responds with a scorching backhand down the line, just outside the sideline. Rafa then forces another error to reach game point, before unleashing a powerful backhand down the line.
Nadal holds the serve
* After falling to 15-30, Nadal rallies to level the score and clinches the first game. With a powerful serve, he delivers a decisive and emphatic smash to secure the game.
* Nadal will serve first
‘Rafa Rafa’
* The arena was filled with emotion as the national anthem played, accompanied by chants of “Rafa, Rafa, Rafa.” The legendary Spaniard appeared visibly moved by the overwhelming support.

Order of play
Match One: Rafael Nadal vs Botic van de Zandschulp
Match Two: Carlos Alcaraz vs Tallon Griekspoor
Match Three (if required): Carlos Alcaraz & Marcel Granollers vs Wesley Koolhof & Botic van de Zandschulp
Can Nadal guide Spain to their first Davis Cup Since 2019?
* The stage is set for one of the greatest players to make an emotional farewell on home soil while trying to help Spain win a seventh Davis Cup title and their first since 2019 when he spurred them to victory in Madrid.
Final Preps

Head-to-Head
* This will be the third and final meeting between Rafael Nadal and Botic van de Zandschulp, with Nadal leading their head-to-head 2-0. The Spaniard defeated the Dutchman twice in 2022, first with a 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 victory en route to another French Open title, and later with a 6-4, 6-2, 7-6 win at Wimbledon.
Most awaited moment coming soon