Rafael Nadal beaten in his last match

We preferred not to believe it. Rafael Nadal ended his incredible career with a defeat against the almost unknown to the general public, the Dutchman Botic Van de Zandschulp, at home in Malaga. This Tuesday, in Spanish colors, he played the first single of the Davis Cup quarter-final between Spain and the Netherlands.

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It’s cruel but the “Bull of Manacor” appeared very far from his best level, beaten in two sets by his opponent of the day, 80th in the ATP ranking but with a very good service. Weakened physically by multiple injuries, Rafael Nadal, on the verge of tears during the national anthem, had only his courage and experience to oppose and lost without discussion in two dry sets (6-4 , 6-4). Lucid about his level, Rafa confided after the match that he thought this was his last match: “In my mind, if I were the captain, I would not be played in the semi-final if we qualified . In a way, this defeat is perhaps positive. It was my last match, probably my last match. I lost my first Davis Cup match (in 2004), I just lost my last match. The circle is closed. “. Unfortunately, despite Carlos Alcaraz’s singles victory, Spain lost in the decisive doubles. Of infinite sadness.

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