Rafael Nadal: Retiring superstar loses for Spain at farewell Davis Cup
Rafael Nadal had a lackluster start to his Davis Cup retirement party, being beaten in what could be the final match of his career.
Spanish star Nadal, who has won 22 Grand Slam titles, will end his tennis career after the men’s team event in Malaga.
It is unclear whether the 38-year-old former world No. 1 will be ready to compete in singles competition. Despite not playing in more than three months, Nadal was picked up by Spanish captain David Ferrer.
The move backfired in front of the Spanish fans, with Nadal losing 6-4 6-4 to Botic van de Zandschulp, who admirably Maintaining composure in testing conditions helped the Netherlands take the lead in the game.
If the Spanish team cannot recover from a 0-1 deficit in the best-of-three match, Nadal will have no other chance to play as a professional player again.
