Rafael Nadal could be headed to retirement after losing opening match at the Davis Cup
Spain's tennis player Rafael Nadal during the national anthem ahead of a Davis Cup quarterfinal match against Netherlands' Botic Van De Zandschulp at Martin Carpena Sports Hall in Malaga, southern Spain, on Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)[ASSOCIATED PRESS/Manu Fernandez]
MALAGA, Spain (AP) — Rafael Nadal has lost 6-4, 6-4 to Botic van de Zandschulp in the Davis Cup in what may have been the last match of his career. Nadal is retiring from professional tennis after the team event in Malaga. He will not get to play again if Spain loses the decisive double match against the Netherlands later Tuesday. Third-ranked Carlos Alcaraz kept Spain alive by defeating No. 40 Tallon Griekspoor 7-6 (0), 6-3 in the other singles. Alcaraz and Marcel Granollers were scheduled to play the doubles match for Spain against van de Zandschulp and Wesley Koolhof.
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Spain's tennis player Rafael Nadal competes against Netherlands' Botic Van De Zandschulp during a Davis Cup quarterfinal match at Martin Carpena Sports Hall in Malaga, southern Spain, on Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)
Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS/Manu Fernandez