In his pre-tournament news conference on Monday, Nadal insisted he would not be distracted by emotion as he aimed to help Spain win the Davis Cup for a sixth time in his career.
That was the theory. In practice, the occasion got to Nadal within minutes of walking out to a thunderous ovation.
Nadal visibly teared up during the Spanish national anthem. His right hand shook uncontrollably.
Once the anthem stopped, he was able to raise his arm into the air and mouthed “Gracias” to the supporters chanting his name.
“Of course it has been an emotional day and I felt nerves before what can be my last singles match as a professional,” Nadal said.
Van de Zandschulp said he could detect Nadal’s jitters – and feel them himself.
“The crowd was tough, understandably,” said Van de Zandschulp.
“That is what it is to play against Rafa in Spain. He is probably the biggest sportsman in Spain to have ever lived.”
Nadal’s level was understandably far below his best.
Occasionally he showed fizz on his famous forehand, but it was not enough to push his opponent deeper in the court.
The shorter balls allowed Van de Zandschulp, who is ranked 80th in the world but beat Carlos Alcaraz at the US Open, to pick off his opponent.
In a febrile atmosphere where Van de Zandschulp’s missed first serves were cheered, the 29-year-old Dutchman deserved great credit for staying focused and seeing out an important victory for his nation.
“It is tough to close out a match against him, knowing it could be his last,” said Van de Zandschulp.
“I felt I was hoping a bit more than going for it. I went for it and it helped in the end.”
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