Departing Nadal loses Davis Cup bye

Rafael Nadal was beaten in what could prove to be the final match of his career as the start of his Davis Cup retirement party fell flat.

The Spanish great Nadal, who has won 22 Grand Slam titles, ends his tennis journey after the men’s team event in Malaga.

It had been unclear whether the 38-year-old former world number one would be ready to play in the singles. But despite not having played competitively for over three months, Nadal was picked by Spanish captain David Ferrer.

The move backfired in front of a partisan Spanish crowd as Nadal lost 6-4 6-4 to Botic van de Zandschulp, who admirably kept his composure in the testing conditions to put the Netherlands ahead in the tie.

If Spain is unable to recover from the 1-0 deficit in the best-of-three clash, there will be no other opportunity for Nadal to take to the court as a professional again.

Nadal took time to linger in the center of the court after his defeat and showed gratitude by waving to all sides of the arena as 11,500 fans packed the Palacio de Deportes.

“In the beginning I think we were both nervous. The crowd was tough, understandably so,” Van de Zandschulp said.

“That’s what it’s like to play against Rafa in Spain. He’s probably the greatest sportsman in Spain that ever lived.

“I have to say it’s hard to close a game against him knowing it could be his last.

“I felt like I was hoping a little bit more than going for it. I went for it and it helped in the end.”