From humble beginnings to global appeal, the Faldo Series has evolved into the world’s premier junior golf championship
sports1 day ago
Retiring tennis superstar Rafael Nadal lost 6-4, 6-4 to Botic van de Zandschulp in a Davis Cup quarterfinal singles rubber on Tuesday as the Netherlands took a 1-0 lead against Spain.
The 22-time Grand Slam winner will call time on his career in professional tennis at the end of Spain's participation in the tournament in Malaga, after two injury-ravaged years.
Doubts hung over Nadal's involvement until the official announcement from team captain David Ferrer confirmed he would play in the first singles rubber of the opening finals clash.
The 38-year-old appeared emotional during the Spanish national anthem, and fans filled the arena with chants of "Rafa, Rafa," when it ended.
Nadal had won his last 29 Davis Cup singles matches out of 30 played -- after debuting in the tournament in 2004 -- and both of his prior clashes with the Dutchman.
However despite giving every ounce of his energy in the second set and buoyed by immense home support, Nadal came up short.
"In the beginning I think we were both nervous. The first service games didn't go smoothly... the crowd was tough, understandably," said Van de Zandschulp.
"That is what it is to play against Rafa in Spain -- he is probably the biggest sportsman here in Spain that ever lived."
There was also a comparatively small but vocal sector of orange-clad Dutch fans roaring on their compatriot.
"It was unbelievable, I needed it -- there were too many people from Spain here cheering for him," added the Dutchman.
"I understand -- if I was sitting next to the court I would have cheered for him as well."
World number three Carlos Alcaraz faces the Netherlands' Tallon Griekspoor in the second rubber to try and keep Spain's Davis Cup dream alive and prolong Nadal's farewell.
The winner will face Germany or Canada in the semifinals.
ALSO READ:
From humble beginnings to global appeal, the Faldo Series has evolved into the world’s premier junior golf championship
sports1 day ago
Velupillay scored on his international debut against China last month
sports1 day ago
This year's event promises to elevate the sport's technical standards while providing a platform for local talent to shine on the global stage
sports1 day ago
A few thousand of them could be offset by carbon credits – a simple solution for sustainability
sports1 day ago
The UAE champions secured 11 medals, including two gold, five silver, and four bronze medals across all professional belt divisions
sports2 days ago
They claimed the championship with a thrilling six-run win over Gems Modern Academy, Dubai
sports2 days ago
Annual tennis tournament to be held at Al Habtoor Grand Beach Resort from December 2-7
sports2 days ago
The Belgian is skilfully balancing his role as an ambassador for The Brain & Performance Centre with his TV commentary role as he continues to inspire both on and off the course
sports2 days ago