From tennis’s box of curiosities: the fate of Rafael Nadal’s career now lies in the hands of Carlos Alcaraz.
On Tuesday, the 38-year-old might have competed on a tennis court for the last time.
He lost 6-4, 6-4 to Botic van de Zandschulp, leaving Spain, led by Alcaraz, needing to overturn their Davis Cup quarterfinal series against the Netherlands for Nadal to have another shot at stepping onto the court.
It couldn’t have been easy for the Dutchman to face one of the greatest players of all time in his farewell, in a packed Spanish stadium filled with local fans. Van de Zandschulp showed nerves early on, committing three double faults in a row. But from then on, he played like the player who stunned Alcaraz in New York—solid on serve, sharp on Málaga’s indoor hard court with deep groundstrokes and crisp volleys.
It was too much for Nadal, who hasn’t won a match since the Paris 2024 Olympics and hasn’t claimed victory on indoor hard courts since November 2022 (at the ATP Finals, with a little help from Casper Ruud).
Right now at Place du Trocadéro, Paris#GraciasRafa ❤️💛 pic.twitter.com/E2Bg3DjHj5
— Bastien Fachan (@BastienFachan) November 19, 2024
Nadal’s appearance in the singles match could be seen by many as a tribute to the career of the 22-time Grand Slam champion—and rightly so, given the context of his farewell. However, Nadal’s lack of rhythm and precision was evident, while Roberto Bautista-Agut, one of his supporters on the sidelines, has been in form, recently winning an ATP title on an indoor hard court.
“It’s not my decision. It will be David’s (Ferrer, the captain). Perhaps the easy move is to replace me with Roberto. If I were him, I might make that change. That’s how I feel. This was probably my last match. I lost my first Davis Cup match, and I lost my last one,” said the 14-time Roland Garros champion in a TV interview. Nadal could still be an option for doubles if Spain advances.
At the end of the match, Nadal raised his arms and thanked his devoted fans, visibly moved. There was no ceremony, no farewell. Everything remains uncertain. Alcaraz might still ensure that Rafael Nadal, the tennis player, is not finished just yet.
