Rafael Nadal He declared himself “retired” upon his arrival on the island of Mallorca. Carlos Alcaraz The holiday period has begun, as Marcel Granollers, Roberto Bautista and Pedro Martínez. They want peace, like David Ferrerbut not too early. They wanted to be in their Davis Cup semifinal this Friday, which was denied them by the Netherlands.
The Dutch formation did not have enough to promote the withdrawal of Rafael Nadal and extend his double player Wesley Koolhoff who was also having his last professional tennis event. For them, beating Spain at home, on a date marked by Manacorí’s farewell, is already a victory. He qualified for the semi-finals of the Davis Cup for the second time, equaling the result in 2001.
But ‘oranje’ went further. His achievement is greater. Its parts made history in Martín Carpena Sports Palace in Malagabecause this country will play the final in the centennial Davis Cup for the first time. They will fight for the important ‘silver salad bowl’ this Sunday, at 4 pm, against Italy or Australia, who will compete in the other place this Saturday, from 1 pm.
The Netherlands beat Germany 2-0. By direct means, without having to use a double as against Spain. The number of two in the selection, Botic Van from Zandschulp29 years old and No. 80, surpassed Daniel Altmaier 26 years old and number 88, 6-4, 6-7 (12) and 6-3 in 2h.42′.
Rafa Nadal’s last rival ran into trouble in the second set, which he had under control. Five balls into the match he was unbeaten, he went to the third with suspense until he finished off the tenth ball of the match.
He opened the way for his countrymen Tallon Griekspooran indoor and hard court specialist, a victim a few days ago in the individual of a Carlos Alcaraz who choked. The same did not happen to him in front of Jan-Lennard Struff, who came back, won 6-7 (4), 7-5 and 6-4 in 2h.01′.
Without giving up a serve, coming back from two break points. Great Griekspoor, 28 years old and No. 40, against the tough Struff, 34 years old and No. 43, leading Germany due to the loss of his star, Alexander Zverev.
Without big stars, but with complete and competitive tennis players on hard courts, the Netherlands was the revelation in Malaga. Captain of one of the best doubles players ever, Paul Haarhuis, which is a duo with Jacco Eltingh, who also enjoys this result in Andalusia.
Source: La Verdad
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