Has Rafael Nadal played the last match of his immense career? His destiny is now in the hands of his teammates. Thanks to a victory by Carlos Alcaraz against Tallon Griekspoor (7-6 [0]6-3), the Spaniards returned to 1-1 after the defeat of the Bull of Manacor against Botic van de Zandschulp (6-4, 6-4), Tuesday, November 19, in Malaga. The qualification for the semifinals, on which depends the continuation of the career of Rafael Nadal, will be played on a decisive doubles match between the pairs Carlos Alcaraz-Marcel Granollers and Botic van de Zandschulp-Wesley Koolhof.
He hoped before the match “control (one’s) emotions”but tears came for Rafael Nadal during the Spanish anthem as he entered the court in Malaga. Images that moved tennis fans and the Spaniard, heartbroken at perhaps seeing their idol play his last match, but ultimately, seeing his level of play, isn't he better for it? Thus ? As in his last matches, the former world number 1 was unable to bring together the ingredients that made him successful for years against Botic van de Zandschulp. His physique, once impressive, no longer responds in the same way, and even his devastating forehands no longer allow him to finish points.
To counter this, Rafael Nadal tried to play more forward, by increasing the number of serves and volleys. But Botic van de Zandschulp's accelerations and his passing hurt him, like on the ball which allowed him to break for the first time in the match at 4-4 in the first set. Lacking length on his racket shots, the Spaniard had to give up the first set, 6-4.
Despite some cries of rage and “Let's go” to encourage himself on his few winning shots, the situation did not improve for the Majorcan, broken from the start at the start of the second set. He then held on well to win a tight game at 2-0 in favor of the Dutchman and not be down by two breaks, but his lack of competition in recent months materialized in avoidable unforced errors and a new break inevitable.
With his back against the wall, Rafael Nadal experienced a burst of pride to break after a game of more than ten minutes, and return to 4-2. Then at 4-3 thanks to a won faceoff. So maybe? The Malaga public believed it while singing “If possible” (“Yes, he can do it.”in Spanish). But to make up for the delay, Botic van de Zandschulp would have had to break under the pressure. What he did not do with three aces to get within one game of the match, and taking advantage of unusual unforced errors from the Spaniard to conclude.
“I knew it could be my last match as a professional and the emotions were difficult to deal with. I didn't have the ability to read the match fast enough to feel in control. When you've spent so much time away of the competition, everything depends on the small details. I don't have the automatisms of the players who are on the circuit. If I were captain I wouldn't choose myself for the next match.analyzed Rafael Nadal in front of the press. Was he too greedy in playing singles rather than just playing doubles? Time will tell if he will have the opportunity to step on the Malaga court again.
