Botic van de Zandschulp shares the ‘tough’ experience of overcoming Rafael Nadal and the crowd on the Spaniard’s farewell match

Rafael Nadal played his final singles tennis match against Dutchman Botic Van De Zandschulp in the Davis Cup.

Botic van de Zandschulp shares the ‘tough’ experience of overcoming Rafael Nadal and the crowd on the Spaniard’s farewell match

Rafael Nadal and Botic van de Zandschulp (via X)

Botic van de Zandschulp handed Rafael Nadal what could be his final singles loss on the ATP Tour with a 6-4, 6-4 victory in their Davis Cup tie. In the first singles match between Spain and the Netherlands, the Dutch team secured an important early lead thanks to Van de Zandschulp’s performance.

Speaking to the press after the match, the 29-year-old admitted that the significance of the occasion influenced his level of play. However, he stated that he focused on his shots and didn’t dwell too much on the gravity of Nadal’s farewell, as he had a job to do for his team.

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This marks Van de Zandschulp’s second major victory over a Spanish player recently. Three months ago, he defeated Carlos Alcaraz in the second round of the US Open, a match widely regarded as one of the greatest upsets in Grand Slam history.

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The crowd was tough. Understandable. That’s what it is to play in Spain against Rafa. He’s the biggest sportsman here that ever lived. It’s a really special event. It’s tough to close a match against him. Knowing it could be his last… I just went for it and it helped at the end.

Botic van de Zandschulp said in the post-match interview at the Davis Cup

Next, Alcaraz will take on Tallon Griekspoor in the second singles match of the Davis Cup tie. The four-time Grand Slam champion must win to keep Spain’s hopes of reaching the semifinals alive.

Spanish Team in distress watching Rafael Nadal on his final match

22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal played what might be his final singles match at the Davis Cup on Tuesday, November 19. The Málaga Arena was buzzing with excitement as thousands of fans rallied behind the left-hander.

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Rafael Nadal and his team were in distress (via X)

However, the mood in the Spanish Davis Cup team camp was entirely different. From captain David Ferrer to the staff and team members, everyone was visibly devastated.

The emotions stemmed from the realization that this could be the last time they see Nadal competing as a professional player. Carlos Alcaraz, Juan Carlos Ferrero, and Carlos Moya (Nadal’s coach), were all emotional on the sidelines.

Nadal himself displayed his emotions during the singing of the Spanish national anthem at the start of the event. Despite this, he managed to keep his composure during the match against Botic van de Zandschulp and delivered a strong performance.