Nadal Loses in 2024 Davis Cup Finals to Van de Zandschulp
The Spaniard’s Illustrious Comes to a Close
Legendary Spaniard Rafael Nadal likely ended his illustrious career on Tuesday in the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga, Spain, losing in straight sets to Botic van de Zandschulp 6-4, 6-4.
Not playing a competitive match since losing to Novak Djokovic at the Olympic Games in Paris, Nadal looked a step slow during the one hour and 52 minute affair.
Van de Zandschulp added eight aces, won 77 percent of his first serve points, broke serve on three occasions and hit 19 total winners.
Nadal had previously won the last two meetings against van de Zandschulp in straight sets.
The Spaniard’s future in the sport lies in the balance as his Spanish team will need to win the next two ties on Tuesday to advance.
World No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz will take a 4-0 head-to-head lead against Tallon Griekspoor, before teaming up with Marcel Granollers to face van de Zandschulp and Wesley Koolhof in the deciding doubles match.
Alcaraz will have to defeat Griekspoor in order to have the doubles match count.
Wednesday’s Action Features Canada vs. Germany
Wednesday’s order of play in Malaga will feature Canadians Denis Shapovalov, Gabriel Diallo, Alexis Galarneau, Milos Raonic and Vasek Pospisil taking on the German squad of Jan-Lennard Struff, Daniel Altmaier, Yannick Hanfmann, Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz.
World No. 1 Jannik Sinner will also be in action this week on Thursday for team Italy. Italy will face Argentina and Australia will take on the United States.
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