The loss against Botic van de Zandschulp at the Davis Cup Finals is destined to remain the last match of Rafael Nadal's career. The Spanish legend had arrived in Malaga a few days early to practice and adapt to the surface, but everyone thought he would only be deployed in doubles in the first tie against the Netherlands.
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Against all predictions, Spanish captain David Ferrer fielded Rafa in singles, a choice that turned out to be totally wrong for a number of reasons. The former world No. 1 had played only 19 matches in 2024, his last official tournament had been the Paris Olympics more than three months ago, he had not played a match on the indoor hard court for two years and his athletic decline was evident to everyone.
Ferrer made a very risky decision, which was decisive for the elimination of Spain on Day 1. Carlos Alcaraz's victory over Tallon Griekspoor in the second singles was not enough, as Netherlands prevailed with full merit in the decisive doubles.
The 14-time French Open champion was celebrated at the end of the tie, but the atmosphere was very sad due to Spain's premature elimination. No one thought the Spanish team would be eliminated so soon, which is why Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray and Roger Federer were expected in Malaga for Friday's semifinal.
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Van de Zandschulp on beating Rafa
Nadal has given his best as he has always done throughout his career, but his current level is not enough to compete at the highest level. If van de Zandschulp hadn't stiffened in the second set, Rafa's defeat would have been even more peremptory.
In a recent interview, Botic commented on defeating Nadal in the last match of his amazing career: I havent really thought about it, actually. Of course its been different, he said. I played him twice. Played him in Roland Garros, Wimbledon. I think he was a different player there maybe physically.
He continued: I thought he was, I wont say struggling, but of course you see he gets older, and the injuries are taking its toll, I think. So, yeah, I havent really thought about being the last man to beat Rafa, but maybe I will in a couple of days.
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This disappointment at the Davis Cup Finals does not in the least affect the legacy of the 22-time Grand Slam champion, who has made the history of tennis and sport in general. Perhaps the last chapter of his career could have been even more memorable, but some bad choices prevented Rafa from enjoying his last dance more.
The Spanish legend has been an example for his attitude both on and off the court, an inspiration for young players who have approached the sport over the last two decades. The 14-time French Open champion said he would like to be remembered as a good person, who managed to turn his hobby into a job.
One of the best ever
Rafa has shocked the world many times during his career, not only thanks to his triumphs on red clay, but also thanks to his ability to become a very strong player on all surfaces.
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Roger Federer retired at the Laver Cup in 2022, while 2024 was the year of Andy Murray and Rafa Nadal's retirement. During an interview with Tennis Majors, 2014 US Open champion Marin Cilic spoke about Federer, Nadal and Murrays issue in the last part of their careers: With Roger, Andy, and Rafa, it happened quite suddenly. So you never know, its very similar to life. You have to do the best you can.
I think it was a bit of a pity to see Roger and Rafa doing well and then being out like that. Same for Andy when he was at the top, then having to go through these hip surgeries.
The sport was a little bit cruel to them: how much they gave to the sport, and yet it was gone in a second.
I hope I can still be competitive, just to give myself a chance. I would love to play another two or three seasons. I will try to take care of the scheduling by maybe playing fewer tournaments. The motivation is still there.
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It is true that 2024 represented the end of an era, but Novak Djokovic will still be active on the professional tour next year. The Serbian legend is still competitive at the highest level, although he has not won a single title this season. The 37-year-old from Belgrade will try to shock the world by defeating two champions much younger than him in Jannik Sinner and Carlitos Alcaraz.
