Once you consider Rafael Nadal’s unbelievable skill to struggle for each level like his trusted it, you consider the well-known Nike advert. The one the place it’s Nadal one aspect of the courtroom operating across the courtroom and the opposite aspect retains chopping to numerous different opponents… and ultimately the voiceover provides: “Is he going to play each level like that?”
From the time he broke via beating Carlos Moya as a 16-year-old phenom to the final ever match of his profession, the reply to that query remained a powerful “sure”.
Positive sufficient, Nadal couldn’t conjure the fairytale ending his profession deserved because the Spanish 22-times Grand Slam champion bowed out with defeat within the Davis Cup on an emotionally-charged and tearful night time in Malaga on Tuesday. The 38-year-old’s legs and thoughts had been as keen as ever however the magic was lacking as he misplaced 6-4 6-4 to Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp in what proved to be his last aggressive match.
What a degree from @RafaelNadal and @Boticvdz 🤯
That crowd response too 🔥#DavisCup pic.twitter.com/AiTJStT2YC
— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) November 19, 2024
Besides, Nadal’s struggle by no means went out. He hasn’t been common on the tour, had fallen outdoors the highest 150 on the planet rankings and within the lead-up to the Davis Cup Finals, wasn’t even positive if he was going to play singles. However after a late affirmation that he’ll, Nadal confirmed sparks of his finest.
Like the purpose within the 2nd set, the place he was a set and a break down, and preventing to carry serve at 0-2. However he got here up with a shocking rally that included his signature forehand followthroughs, a running-behind-overhead-hook and scrumptious a forehand jab… that each one ended with an enormous roar.
Carlos Alcaraz levelled the quarter-final tie beating Tallon Griekspoor 7-6(0) 6-3. Within the decisive doubles, Wesley Koolhof and Van de Zandschulp prevailed 7-6(4) 7-6(3) in opposition to Alcaraz and Granollers.
Bonus viewing: Right here’s the long-lasting Nike advert:
