Rafael Nadal ended his glorious career at last year's Davis Cup Finals in Malaga. Spain faced the Netherlands in the quarter-final, and Rafa embraced a singles rubber against Botic van de Zandschulp.
The veteran gave everything in front of the partisan crowd in national jersey, only to experience a 6-4, 6-4 loss in an hour and 52 minutes. Thus, Botic earned a massive honor, ending the 22-time Major winner's career.
Reflecting that match ahead of this week's Davis Cup duties, the Dutchman admitted it was a challenging task to battle against one of his idols in the Davis Cup in front of his fans.
However, he kept his composure and bested the 38-year-old in straight sets, adding a valuable point for his country. Nadal delivered one break in the second set and lost serve three times en route to only his second Davis Cup singles defeat.
Carried by the home crowd, Rafa stayed in touch in the opening eight games of the duel. Van de Zandschulp closed the eighth game with a smash winner and made a push on the return in the next one.
ADVERTISEMENT
He generated a break chance and landed a cracking backhand crosscourt winner for the first advantage. He served for the opener at 5-4 and closed the first part of the duel with a service winner after 46 minutes.
Nadal wasted a game point in the first game of the second set and experienced the second straight break to find himself further behind. Botic held in the fourth game for 3-1 and made another push on the return in the next one.
He painted a forehand crosscourt winner on the second break point, moving 4-1 in front and closer to the finish line. Carried by the partisan crowd, Rafa finally stepped in on the return in game six.
He pulled one break back before spraying double faults at 2-4, offering his rival a break chance. He denied it and landed a smash winner to remain within one breakdeficit.
ADVERTISEMENT
Nadal led 30-0 on the return in the eighth game before van de Zandschulp grabbed four straight points and opened a 5-3 gap. The Spanish veteran extended the match and his career with three service winners in game nine.
However, Botic provided a fine gold in the tenth game, forcing the legend's mistake and earning a notable victory for himself and his country.
"It was a challenging week against the host team in the quarter-final. It was Rafa's farewell and a demanding match. It was a very special moment, facing him in front of the home crowd.
He was one of my idols when I saw him compete in my younger years. That's why it was hard to play against him," Botic van de Zandschulp said.
