Cruel defeat for Nadal, on the brink of retirement and at the hands of Alcaraz

“I don’t know how to react,” he confessed. Rafael Nadalwho also assured that he would only play if he deemed it would help the team in its quest for the Davis Cup semifinals. With all the honesty in the world, he considered himself ready to compete again almost three months after the Olympics.

Only twenty-three games in two seasons, a trial since he underwent surgery on his right hip, the iliopsoas, in June 2023. He fought back to become a tennis player, but physical limitations prevented another of his miracles.

A sports legend, at 38 years old he experienced one of his most difficult moments. Not because of his retirement itself, which he already thought, but because he did not give the hand he wanted to the Spanish team. He lost, on the brink of a bye, which Carlos Alcaraz would try to avoid by returning to the tie against the Netherlands. Will double. First, Tallon Griekspoor. Later, a more open resolution with Marcel Granollers and against Wesley Koolhof and his executioner in singles, Botic Van from Zandschulp.

Nadal has won 29 consecutive Davis Cup singles, he has not lost since February 2004, in his debut. It hurts because sentimentally he deserved more. But the competition is cruel, it knows no legends. The Balearic Islands, currently 154th in the world, surrendered Van de Zandschulp, 29 years old and number 80, ni 6-4 and 6-4 in 1h.53′. He tried to defend the right attack of the Dutchman, but Rafa could not get over the net. Perhaps your last point.

It was possible that it would be their last meeting. There is room for improvement for Spain, there are still options for a comeback because it has two phenomena in their specialty, Alcaraz and Granollers. Despite the cold pitcher in the Hispanic delegation.

Applause roars for Rafa Nadal. Almost 12,000 fans at Martín Carpena in Málaga, know the historic moment. Also the big ‘oranje’ group, with hundreds of uniformed representatives all standing behind their bench.

Rafael Nadal was excited from the start. He broke down in tears during a ceremony of Spanish anthems and a heartfelt minute of silence for Valencia. ‘We are with you’ is the motto. The local team wore black crepe on their tracksuits.

Then he worked, with all he had. He is always an expert in managing resources according to the conditions of each day. But in his heart, his wisdom and commitment were not worth it this time. He even faked a reaction from 1-4 in the second set, then having 0-5 partial from 4-3 in the first to 4-6, 0-2. He left a mark on how well he was represented, even though the end of a long and successful career had come. He sweats bullets, raises his fist to cheer on the fans and never stops looking for a crack to slip through. It was closed by the enemy, who was not afraid of what he was doing.

He is more direct in his game, with more serve and net, he uses a strategy of finding the opponent’s backhand. He tried everything. And the public appreciates it. It is associated with the desire to overcome suffering. The crowd saw Nadal as the hero, and cheered him on from start to finish. Even in defeat.

The limitation of movement (the legs are not very fast and there is a delicate final injury) and the logical lack of rhythm of the competition made it difficult. On the front, a rival that, indoors and on the hard court, means having all five senses in order. Van de Zandschulp is a risk. A puncher and puncher who doesn’t care about anything. The last US Open turned sour Carlos Alcaraz, It ended Rafa Nadal’s dream.

Rafa gave in. That risk exists. It hurts, yes, but Rafa Nadal has long been above certain elements. His legacy remains intact no matter what happens at Malaga.

With the confrontation still alive, there is room for hope. Another issue is Nadal’s return to play as an individual. That too. Forever, thank you Rafa.