Rafael Nadal beaten by Botic van de Zandschulp at Davis Cup Finals in Malaga in final career match

Rafael Nadal suffered defeat to Botic van de Zandschulp in the Davis Cup Finals in what was the last match of the Spaniard's career.

Van de Zandschulp eased to a 6-4 6-4 win to put Netherlands 1-0 ahead in their quarter-final tie against Spain. It was only Nadal's second Davis Cup loss in singles, with the other coming on his debut against Czech Republic way back in 2004.

Spain's new tennis king Carlos Alcaraz duly levelled the tie with a 7-6 (7-0) 6-3 defeat of Tallon Griekspoor, meaning a deciding doubles would be required to settle the clash.

However, Wesley Koolhof and Botic van de Zandschulp spoiled the party by defeating Alcaraz and Marcel Granollers 7-6 (7-4) 7-6 (7-3) to secure the Netherlands' place in the semi-finals.

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"The titles, numbers, they're there. People probably know that. The way I'd like to be remembered more is like a good person from a small village in Mallorca," said the 38-year-old during an on-court ceremony to celebrate his career.

The Spanish fans flocked to the Martin Carpena Arena in their thousands, draped in red and yellow flags and scarves and ready to cheer on their national hero for perhaps the final time.

There were tears in Nadal's eyes during a stirring rendition of the national anthem but his trademark sprint to the back of the court showed he meant business.

This was only Nadal's eighth official tournament this season, while his only singles matches since the Olympics in July came in an exhibition event in Saudi Arabia last month.

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Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam champion, put up a good fight against the big-serving Dutchman but had his serve broken late in the first set.

He began to look a step off the pace, the collective goodwill unable to prevent him going a double break down in the second.

This greatest of yellow-ball warriors was determined to fight to the end, retrieving one break and trying to claw himself back on level terms.

But Van de Zandschulp is no mug, the Dutchman having been ranked as high as 22 in the world, and he closed out the match as Nadal netted a final forehand before waving and blowing kisses to the crowd, walking off with a final shake of the head.

"In some ways it is good, maybe, if that was my last match because I lost my first match in the Davis Cup and I lost my last one. We close the circle," said Nadal, whose Davis Cup career began with defeat by Czech Republic's Jiri Novak in 2004.

Van de Zandschulp said: "The crowd was tough. Understandable. That's what it is to play in Spain against Rafa. He's the biggest sportsman here that ever lived. It's a really special event.

"It's tough to close a match against him. Knowing it could be his last… I just went for it and it helped at the end."

The winner of the tie will face either Germany or Canada in the semi-finals on Friday.

Nadal helped Spain win the Davis Cup in 2004, 2008, 2009, 2011 and 2019.

How the tennis world reacted

Twenty-three-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams said it had been an honour to witness Nadal's tennis journey and that he would leave the game a "lasting legacy".

"Congratulations on a career that most won't dare to dream of," Williams said on Instagram alongside a video of her wearing Nadal-branded merchandise.

"I feel so fortunate to have been able to play when you were playing and being great.

"You inspired me to be better, to play harder, to fight, to never give up, and to win more. No excuses, just play the sport.

"Your legacy will never die. Wow to see your career from the beginning to today was an honour champ! Long live Rafa!"

Nadal's Davis Cup team-mate Alcaraz said Nadal had been his inspiration.

"Thanks to you I have become a professional tennis player," Alcaraz added.

"It has been a blessing to be able to live your career as a child for whom you were an idol and then as a team-mate! The best possible ambassador who leaves an eternal legacy."

World No 2 Iga Swiatek reacted to a video of the Spaniard tearing up with a crying emoji and said: "Too much", while American Coco Gauff added: "Today, I'm from Spain #Rafa."

Australian tennis great Rod Laver said that watching Nadal compete had been a privilege.

"Your legacy will endure as one of the greatest to ever grace the game," Laver said.

"Thank you for the countless unforgettable moments and for setting a standard of excellence that will inspire generations to come."

German Boris Becker, a six-time Grand Slam champion, said he was crying as he typed out his message on social media.

"What an absolute icon of sport, period! There will never be another one like Rafa! Role model for so many kids all around the world!"

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