The loss towards Botic van de Zandschulp on the Davis Cup Finals is destined to stay the final match of Rafael Nadal’s profession. The Spanish legend had arrived in Malaga a couple of days early to follow and adapt to the floor, however everybody thought he would solely be deployed in doubles within the first tie towards the Netherlands.
In opposition to all predictions, Spanish captain David Ferrer fielded Rafa in singles, a selection that turned out to be completely fallacious for quite a few causes. The previous world No. 1 had performed solely 19 matches in 2024, his final official match had been the Paris Olympics greater than three months in the past, he had not performed a match on the indoor laborious courtroom for 2 years and his athletic decline was evident to everybody.
Ferrer made a really dangerous choice, which was decisive for the elimination of Spain on Day 1. Carlos Alcaraz’s victory over Tallon Griekspoor within the second singles was not sufficient, as Netherlands prevailed with full advantage within the decisive doubles.
The 14-time French Open champion was celebrated on the finish of the tie, however the environment was very unhappy resulting from Spain’s untimely elimination. Nobody thought the Spanish group could be eradicated so quickly, which is why Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray and Roger Federer have been anticipated in Malaga for Friday’s semifinal.
Van de Zandschulp on beating Rafa
Nadal has given his greatest as he has at all times completed all through his profession, however his present stage isn’t sufficient to compete on the highest stage. If van de Zandschulp hadn’t stiffened within the second set, Rafa’s defeat would have been much more peremptory.
In a current interview, Botic commented on defeating Nadal within the final match of his wonderful profession: “I haven’t actually thought of it, really. In fact it’s been totally different,” he stated. “I performed him twice. Performed him in Roland Garros, Wimbledon. I believe he was a unique participant there perhaps bodily.”
He continued: “I assumed he was, I received’t say struggling, however after all you see he will get older, and the accidents are taking its toll, I believe. So, yeah, I haven’t actually thought of being the final man to beat Rafa, however perhaps I’ll in a few days.”
This disappointment on the Davis Cup Finals doesn’t within the least have an effect on the legacy of the 22-time Grand Slam champion, who has made the historical past of tennis and sport typically. Maybe the final chapter of his profession might have been much more memorable, however some unhealthy selections prevented Rafa from having fun with his final dance extra.
The Spanish legend has been an instance for his perspective each on and off the courtroom, an inspiration for younger gamers who’ve approached the game over the past twenty years. The 14-time French Open champion stated he wish to be remembered as a superb particular person, who managed to show his pastime right into a job.
The most effective ever
Rafa has shocked the world many occasions throughout his profession, not solely because of his triumphs on crimson clay, but in addition because of his capacity to develop into a really sturdy participant on all surfaces.
Roger Federer retired on the Laver Cup in 2022, whereas 2024 was the 12 months of Andy Murray and Rafa Nadal’s retirement. Throughout an interview with ‘Tennis Majors’, 2014 US Open champion Marin Cilic spoke about Federer, Nadal and Murray’s challenge within the final a part of their careers: “With Roger, Andy, and Rafa, it occurred fairly abruptly. So that you by no means know, it’s similar to life. It’s a must to do one of the best you possibly can.
I believe it was a little bit of a pity to see Roger and Rafa doing nicely after which being out like that. Similar for Andy when he was on the prime, then having to undergo these hip surgical procedures.
The game was a bit of bit merciless to them: how a lot they gave to the game, and but it was gone in a second.
I hope I can nonetheless be aggressive, simply to offer myself an opportunity. I might like to play one other two or three seasons. I’ll attempt to deal with the scheduling by perhaps taking part in fewer tournaments. The motivation continues to be there.”
It’s true that 2024 represented the tip of an period, however Novak Djokovic will nonetheless be energetic on the skilled tour subsequent 12 months. The Serbian legend continues to be aggressive on the highest stage, though he has not received a single title this season. The 37-year-old from Belgrade will attempt to shock the world by defeating two champions a lot youthful than him in Jannik Sinner and Carlitos Alcaraz.
