Followers world wide hoped that Rafael Nadal’s retirement could be higher. The Davis Cup Finals in Malaga have been the final official occasion of his profession and the Spanish crew’s dream was to offer one other title to its best champion.
Regardless of the relentless help of the gang, Spain’s run ended already within the quarter-finals in opposition to the Netherlands. The selection to area Rafa in singles proved to be a complete failure, as a result of the 22-time Grand Slam champion is not able to maintain up with sure rhythms.
After watching all of the observe periods within the morning, captain David Ferrer most popular to make use of Nadal in opposition to Botic van de Zandschulp as an alternative of Roberto Bautista Agut, leaving Carlos Alcaraz and Marcel Granollers to play the decisive doubles.
Rafael Nadal, Davis Cup Finals 2024© Stream screenshot
The 14-time French Open champion was defeated in straight units, whereas Alcaraz leveled the rating by defeating Tallon Griekspoor regardless of some difficulties within the first set. Spain misplaced the decisive doubles in two tiebreaks and needed to sadly abandon the competitors already on the primary day.
The previous world no 1 obtained a stupendous tribute on the finish of the tie in opposition to the Netherlands and his legacy will stay without end, however the feeling is that the state of affairs might have been dealt with higher to make that second much more particular. The Spanish legend should have no regrets, having given his finest even in his final match. After the loss to van de Zandschulp, Rafa admitted that it was most likely a mistake to area him in singles. Nadal was presupposed to play doubles with Granollers, whereas Bautista Agut was presupposed to play the primary singles.
A disappointing ending
Throughout this season, the previous world no 1 had considered extending his profession and taking part in some tournaments in 2025 as properly. Nevertheless – after listening to his physique’s alerts – he realized that it might make no sense to proceed taking part in and the Davis Cup Finals appeared to him the most effective occasion to say goodbye to the gang.
In an interview with Eurosport, former World No.1 and prime analyst Justine Henin mentioned Rafa’s final dance: “Being able to choose the moment, I think it’s still something that must be very beautiful. We don’t all experience it in the same way.
For me, when it comes to retirement – and I obviously don’t have Nadal’s career – every situation is different. An injury chose retirement for me. He choosing his moment… at the Davis Cup.
If we can try to imagine what we’re all going to feel at that moment, I think it’s going to be something very, very beautiful.”
Alcaraz and Granollers gave their finest within the decisive doubles, however their opponents have been higher in each tiebreaks. The Spanish pair had a set level within the first set and led a break within the second set, however the particulars made the distinction in favor of the Netherlands. Carlitos doesn’t but have sufficient expertise on this specialty, as had already been seen throughout the 2024 Paris Olympics this summer season.
Alcaraz pays tribute to Rafa
The 4-time Grand Slam champion paid tribute to his nice compatriot: “I think that he was one of the best ambassadors for tennis. I mean, his legacy is going to be eternal. You know, he has been great for tennis, for this sport in general.”
The World No.3 continued: “Yeah, it’s tough, no less than for me. I do not wish to suppose that I ought to proceed, you already know, the legacy that he has left. It’s tough, virtually unattainable. I’ll attempt to do my finest, however proper now, you already know, it is time to say, you already know, simply nice issues about Rafa, what he has carried out, you already know, throughout his profession. Most likely he was one of many gamers that put tennis, you already know, within the prime of sport within the prime of the world. It’s simply nice to have had Rafa in tennis and, you already know, on this interval in my life.”
Rafael Nadal© @DavisCup X account
In line with many followers and insiders, Carlitos is the worthy inheritor to Rafa. The 21-year-old from Murcia has a really completely different recreation than that of his compatriot, extra diversified and full, contemplating that Alcaraz is barely 21 years previous. Nevertheless, Nadal has all the time had a psychological energy and consistency that Carlos nonetheless lacks. He struggles to take care of the identical degree all through the season.
The 21-year-old from Murcia can be taught loads from Rafa, whereas sustaining his expertise and elegance. These two nice champions frolicked collectively throughout the Paris Olympics, an expertise they’ll each always remember. The final act was not best, however skilled sport can’t be equated with a film.
