Tennis star before the end of his career
Davis Cup: Nadal probably loses his last game
Rafael Nadal has fought back again. But in what was probably his last game, it became clear that it was simply no longer enough.
Rafael Nadal has lost what is probably the last game of his impressive tennis career. The 22-time Grand Slam tournament winner had to admit defeat 4:6, 4:6 in the quarterfinals against Botic van de Zandschulp from the Netherlands at the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga and was never able to return to his glory days.
After 1:52 hours the game at the Palacio de Deportes José María Martín Carpena was over. The defeat does not mean the end for Spain. In the second singles, Carlos Alcaraz meets Tallon Griekspoor, after which the doubles will be played if Alcaraz wins.
After the performance against van de Zandschulp, it cannot be assumed that Nadal will be used again if Spain advances. It became too clear that the 38-year-old is no longer physically capable of performing at a top level.
Nadal emotional before the game
Even before Nadal had even set foot on Center Court, the first shouts of “Rafa, Rafa” were echoing through the arena. There was deafening cheers when the Mallorcan was introduced; Nadal was already clearly struggling with his emotions at this point. The Spanish tennis legend’s eyes moistened when the national anthem played.
The Spanish fans continued to encourage Nadal during the game. And the long-time number one in the world could use all the support. The 38-year-old had not played an official match since his second-round exit at the Olympic Games in Paris against the Serbian Novak Djokovic. And this lack of match practice became clear from the start.
Last effort is not enough
In a final effort, Nadal got himself into shape for the Davis Cup Finals after announcing his retirement at the end of the year in October. But the truth on Center Court was different. Nadal moved poorly and there was no longer much of the force of days gone by. Even the support of the audience didn’t help in the end. An avoidable mistake by Nadal ended the game. The Mallorcan then waved goodbye to the audience – possibly forever.
dpa
Source: Stern
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