Rafael Nadal himself was fully aware of the significance of this moment. But until the day before the match between Spain and the Netherlands in the Davis Cup quarter-finals, the doubt persisted: will they play or will they not play? The Bull of Manacor had nevertheless prepared intensively over the last six weeks, giving himself body and soul to this ultimate objective, that of leading Spain to victory. “I’m not here to retire. I’m here to help the team win“, he declared on Monday, with this conviction which characterizes him.
If the decision to put him on the field was finally taken, it was because the winner of 22 Grand Slam titles felt ready and the entire staff of the Spanish selection considered him capable of facing Botic Van de Zandschulp in this opening match. An assumed risk. But a risk, all the same. After several months of absence, no player, no matter how legendary, can return without compromise. Not even Nadal, and even less at 38 years old.
In the event of qualification, Rafael Nadal no longer saw himself playing in singles
If he had lost none of his little rituals, the Majorcan never really showed himself to be sharp. His opponent didn’t ask for that much and won the first set 6-4 before leading 4-1 in the second. Still believing in his chances, Nadal managed to take his opponent’s service to return to 4-3. Alas, after a little less than two hours of play, the champion had to admit defeat: 6-4, 6-4.
Happy winner, Botic Van de Zandschulp didn’t let a single smile escape when he went to the net to greet his opponent. As if he was measuring the gravity of the moment, perhaps the final act of a court phenomenon.
“I tried to do my best, to stay as positive as possible, to play with the right energy. It wasn’t enough, well done Botic. There’s not much more to analyze. […] I feel like it was my last professional singles match. If we win and qualify for the semi-finals, the easiest way will probably be to choose Roberto Bautista to play in my place.”he commented at a press conference. Before heading off to see his compatriot Carlos Alcaraz.
