Rafael Nadal Brings Sparkling Career to End in Emotional Send Off

Rafael Nadal’s illustrious career came to an end as Spain lost to the Netherlands in the Davis Cup on an emotional night in Malaga.

Spanish great Nadal, who has won 22 Grand Slam titles, recently announced the men’s team event would be the last of his career.

In front of a packed, partisan crowd, 38-year-old Nadal lost 6-4 6-4 to Botic van de Zandschulp as the Netherlands took an early lead in the best-of-three quarter-final tie.

Carlos Alcaraz, who has taken over the mantle as Spain’s leading player, beat Tallon Griekspoor 7-6 (7-0) 6-3 in the second singles match to keep Nadal’s hopes of another potential farewell appearance alive.

But Alcaraz and Marcel Granollers were beaten 7-6 (7-4) 7-6 (7-3) by Van de Zandschulp and Wesley Koolhof in the deciding doubles.