It would have been very naive to believe Rafael Nadal capable of bringing out his best level out of nowhere for his farewell. The multiple winner of Roland-Garros was unable to do anything against Botic van de Zandschulp in the opening of the Davis Cup quarter-final between Spain and the Netherlands.
Nadal had started his match rather well, helped by the jubilee pace of the exchanges against an opponent who sometimes gave the impression of playing while walking. But at 4-4, he ended up releasing his serve to the Dutchman, who did not hesitate to complete the first set. Rafa then suffered the blow and conceded five games in a row. And despite a burst in the middle of the second set to undo one of van de Zandschulp's two breaks, Nadal finally logically gave up (6-4, 6-4).
Alcaraz on mission against Griekspoor
Already behind, the amphytrions are now counting on Carlos Alcaraz, clearly losing momentum at the end of the season, to pick up the pieces against the always formidable Talon Griekspoor. And make sure that Rafael Nadal's farewell is not already over.
