Rafael Nadal slumped to a straight-sets defeat against Botic van de Zandschulp in the Davis Cup quarterfinals in what could be the final match of his incredible tennis career.
The 22-time major champion was roared on by a partisan crowd in Malaga but could only produce flashes of his old magic. The Netherlands' world No. 80 Van de Zandschulp overcame some early jitters on serve to close out a deserved 6-4 6-4 triumph.
Spain now need Carlos Alcaraz to defeat Tallon Griekspoor in his singles rubber to force a deciding doubles encounter. Although it is not yet clear whether Nadal would play in the semifinals or final should Spain progress, the 38-year-old has already confirmed that this week will mark his final farewell to the sport after a professional career spanning more than two decades.
In truth, after Nadal's groundstrokes lacked their old bite for the most part and he found himself in the unfamiliar position of being less likely to win points the longer rallies went on, it's valid to ask whether captain David Ferrer would select him again given the chance.
The low point for a crowd in party mood came when Van de Zandschulp reeled off four games in a row, including the breaks that gave him the first set and allowed him to take control of the second.
When Nadal dropped serve again for 4-1 the end seemed nigh. Probably the most tenacious player in tennis history delved into his reserves once more to get a break back. Van de Zandschulp's penchant for double faults and general weakness on the backhand side presented openings that Nadal would have taken during most weeks of his career, but not in this final week.
VINTAGE 🤯@RafaelNadal #DavisCup pic.twitter.com/bj1FE8mGK2
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) November 19, 2024
"I think at the beginning we were both nervous," said Van de Zandschulp, who was a picture of graciousness and dignity in victory. "I have to say the first serves again didn't go smoothly,
"The crowd was tough of course, understandably. That's what it is to play here in Spain against Rafa. I think he's the biggest sportsman from Spain who ever lived."
Rafael Nadal vs. Botic van de Zandschulp result
| Set 1 | Set 2 | |
| Netherlands (Botic van de Zandschulp) | 6 | 6 |
| Spain (Rafael Nadal) | 4 | 4 |
MORE: Tennis' top grand slam winners of all time: Who has won the most titles?
Rafael Nadal vs. Botic van de Zandschulp, as it happened highlights from Spain vs. Netherlands Davis Cup quarterfinal match
Netherlands (Botic van de Zandschulp)* 6-4 6-4 Spain (Rafael Nadal)
Here we go then. Perhaps the last singles game of one of the greatest careers in tennis. Some would say the greatest. Van de Zandschulp isn't concerned by any of that and strikes first. And an error from the Nadal racquet makes it 30-0. He'll have to be perfect from here to pull it out of the fire. Netted first serve, the Van de Zandschulp gets one in play. Long, punishing rally, in comes Nadal, Van de Zandschulp wide on the angle. Another suggestion towards the idea of magic on an evening where the hard reality of the passage of time has held sway. Eh, shut up Father Time, Rafa has it back to 30-30 after a timid volley from the Dutchman.
Now a fault. 'Por favor," implores the umpire. Van de Zandschulp gambles on a big second serve, Nadal can't get it back. Match point. Fault. Good second serve though and an excellent backhand down the line. Nadal nets, it's all over! Straight sets win for the Netherlands. The bigger story of course, is that might be the last week see of the great Rafael Nadal on a singles court. He takes the consolation of his young team-mate Carlos Alcaraz, who effectively has the great man's career in his hands now. The acclaim being sent Nadal's way is beautiful and that's what we're all here for on a day when the actual tennis feels like a bit of a footnote. It should, therefore, be said that Botic van de Zandschulp did his job admirably in the circumstances, slapstick double faults aside. Thanks for joining us.
Netherlands (Botic van de Zandschulp) 6-4 5-4 Spain (Rafael Nadal)*
The door behind briefly open before slamming shut seems to have sapped Nadal and his aching limbs. He gets back to 30-30 here and the net theory works again to secure game point. Another big serve means Van de Zandschulp will have to go out and win this.
Netherlands (Botic van de Zandschulp)* 6-4 5-3 Spain (Rafael Nadal)
This guy's serve is an absolute mystery. Second serve into the net to open up. Then coughs up another point before his fastest serve of the match propels him from 0-30 to 40-30. That's a huge, huge hold and the Dutch contingent. Roar. Van de Zandschulp is a game away.
Netherlands (Botic van de Zandschulp) 6-4 4-3 Spain (Rafael Nadal)*
New balls and a couple of enjoyably zippy serves get Nadal to 30-0. Oh oh. There's never a good time for back-to-back double faults but the timing here is particularly shocking. Then Van de Zandschulp lands one awkwardly at Nadal's feet and has another chance to break. Lovely shot from Nadal to stave that one off. Now, can he find his serve. Advantage, halfway there as Van de Zandschulp can't respond to a serve-volley on his backhand side. Job done - Nadal wins back-to-back games for the first time in the match. This next game is huge.
Netherlands (Botic van de Zandschulp)* 6-4 4-2 Spain (Rafael Nadal)
There's an easy swagger to Van de Zandschlup's work as he moves to 30-0. He even avoids a double fault, although Nadal wins the next point. Finally, Rafa gets his man moving like his on rollerskates at the baseline. Van de Zandschlup sends it long. Are Nadal's groundstrokes finally working? You better believe they are - break point from 30-0 down! Wow! Magnificent net coverage from Van de Zandschulp and he puts away the volley. Deuce, then advantage only for Nadal to crunch a brutal forehand pass. Nadal gets himself into the next rally and Van de Zandschulp nets. Advantage, break point.
First serve into the newt, how are your nerves Botic? Nadal sets himself up for the forehand down the line but can't make. Now it's Van de Zandschulp's turn to net and Nadal has a third break point in a game that has lasted 10 minutes... HE MAKES IT! A shaft of light. The crowd are going berserk. He can't, can he?
Netherlands (Botic van de Zandschulp) 6-4 4-1 Spain (Rafael Nadal)*
Hmmm, an ill-advised change of direction from the back of the court makes it 15-30 and leaves Nadal in a spot of bother again. An overhead smash to pull level goes down well with the locals, who chant their hero's name again. Oh, no. Nadal makes all the running in the next rally but misses his volley at the net horrible. Break point for a 4-1 lead... WALLOP! Nadal's best serve of the match arrives at the perfect time. Oof, but what about that cross-court winner from Van de Zandschulp for another break opportunity?!?! High tension, stalking rally... Van Zandschulp makes the pass again to go up by two breaks and a set.
Netherlands (Botic van de Zandschulp)* 6-4 3-1 Spain (Rafael Nadal)
Once again, Van de Zandschulp's second serve shows itself to be a load of old nonsense. And another double fault... honestly, mate. Nadal misses the next return. he gets a couple in and it's 30-30. Fancy that. Now Nadal goes long and does so again as Van de Zandschulp nails his first serve. There wasn't really much in that game for Nadal whatsoever other than when Van de Zandschulp was self-sabotaging.
Netherlands (Botic van de Zandschulp) 6-4 2-1 Spain (Rafael Nadal)*
Nadal simply has to get on the board here. Van de Zandschulp netting a return for 30-0 should help. But the Dutchman's defence looks increasingly on point before he threads down the line to reduce the arrears. Now he comes into the net to smack home an overhead volley. You've rarely if ever said this about Nadal during his illustrious career but if the points go long he looks second-favourite. Serve, limp return, wallop on the other hand... game point. He shanks the next ground stroke horribly through and it's deuce. Nadal's short slice draws Van de Zandschulp into the net and he plops his shot into the tramline. Advantage Rafa but Botic is the main man at the net this time. A little bit of fortune there from Nadal, boy how he needs it. Advantage.
A long baseline rally, for so long his bread and butter. But Van de Zandschulp is striking it beautifully now and the home favourite nets. Deuce, second serve. It's nicely placed, gets Nadal in control of the rally and Van de Zandschulp slice into the net. Oh my... what rally. Nadal, running, twisting turning, hitting one over his head after being lobbed at the net. He hangs in the point and Van de Zandschulp nets! One of our last glimpses of something eternal or the start of something?
Netherlands (Botic van de Zandschulp)* 6-4 2-0 Spain (Rafael Nadal)
Fault from Van de Zandschulp at 15-15 and he drags a double into the net. A glimmer of an opening is 40-30 in a flash, however and Nadal thumps into the net. No break back here.
Netherlands (Botic van de Zandschulp) 6-4 1-0 Spain (Rafael Nadal)*
Van de Zandschulp has Nadal failing on his backhand side deep in the court again. Now he moves to 0-30. This could be the ball game right here. The Dutchman goes long and the roar is one of relief this time. Fine serve out wide to the backhand side, Van de Zandschulp streatches but Nadal produces a magnificent stretching backhand volley. Maybe that's the jolt of momentum he needs. Rafa moves to 40-30 but Van de Zandschulp establishes himself in the next exchange and passes for deuce. Nadal comes into the net, he gets a bit lucky with a net cord but Van de Zandschulp gets to it, fires close to Nadal's body and the ball loops out. Break point... second serve... Nadal goes for an ambitious inside-out forehand but it falls just wide. That's the early break in the second set and four games in a row for Van de Zandschulp.
Netherlands (Botic van de Zandschulp) *6-4 Spain (Rafael Nadal)
Nadal's groundstrokes just aren't quite there at the moment. Van de Zandschulp pulls out the backhand pass again. At 30-0, Nadal returns into the top of the net. Three set points... oh, that's a wild backhand down the line. 40-15. But Nadal can't get this return in and the Netherlands take the first set.
Netherlands (Botic van de Zandschulp) 5-4 Spain (Rafael Nadal)*
Oh, now then. Van de Zandschulp times a delicate service return winner for 15-30. Nadal tries the serve-volley gambit, it doesn't work and he must save two break points. Into a rally, big ground strokes and Van de Zandschulp nets. Break point two, more muscular jousting. Nadal goes to Van de Zandschulp's lesser-spotted backhand and he makes the cross-court pass! First blood to the Netherlands! Van de Zandschulp will serve for the first set.
Netherlands (Botic van de Zandschulp)* 4-4 Spain (Rafael Nadal)
Van de Zandschulp is called for a foot fault and looks about as impressed as you'd expect. Again he finds joy pushing Nadal deep in the backhand court though 30-15 and then an ace. Nadal reduces the deficit and Van de Zandschulp dumps a serve into the net. Nadal knows this could be a big moment and is all over this point, typically tenacious and Botic can't get a forehand back over. He regroups to gain the advantage. Oh, this is a saucy little point. Nadal retrieves a smash and brings Van de Zandschulp into the net but the Dutchman is then able to backpedal and thunder an overhand winner.
Netherlands (Botic van de Zandschulp) 3-4 Spain (Rafael Nadal)*
Nadal gives Van de Zandschulp a look at a second serve but he nets. Same again at 30-0 and this time, despite Nadal getting into a good position in the rally, his foe completes the passing shot. Another very nicely constructed point brings us to 30-30. An ace bang on the line edges Nadal in front again. He can't manage to nail another first serve though and Van de Zandchulp cramps him for room on the backhand side. Deuce. Return into the net, Rafa roars. He then takes a towel to tidy up where he's been swearing all over the course before winning the point to get out of the game.
Netherlands (Botic van de Zandschulp)* 3-3 Spain (Rafael Nadal)
One of those scampering baseline volleys to get the shoes squeaking indoors. Nadal nets. Oh, and that's a glorious backhand cross court from Van de Zandschulp for 30-0. Now the Dutchman has game point but he goes wide after a punchy Nadal return. An ace takes any more out that out of the equation for the time being.
Netherlands (Botic van de Zandschulp) 2-3 Spain (Rafael Nadal)*
Nadal clips a lovely forehand down the line and Van de Zandschlup nets. He roars "VAMOS!" and his adoring public respond in kind. He powers through to a love hold of his own. The serve clocking a little quicker now, the action smoother.
Netherlands (Botic van de Zandschulp)* 2-2 Spain (Rafael Nadal)
Van de Zandschulp races into a 40-0 lead . Nadal doesn't appear to be reading his serve at all. Take the faults out of the equation and suddenly the Dutchamn's serve is a different proposition. It's a hold to love.
Netherlands (Botic van de Zandschulp) 1-2 Spain (Rafael Nadal)*
Nice serve into the body from Nadal to get off and running in his game before Van de Zandschulp wins the next point nicely on the forehand. Nice change of pace there and Nadal nets. 15-30. First serve pings off the net cord and lands out. From the second, Van de Zandschulp over-commits early in the rally and goes long. More poor shot selection as the world No. 80 neglects to take on a volley and goes long with a lob. Nadal tidies up from there. That's two holds, albeit with moments of encouragement for his opponent.
Netherlands (Botic van de Zandschulp)* 1-1 Spain (Rafael Nadal)
Nadal creams a trademark forehand down the line for 15-15. The wall of noise inside the arena every time he wins a point is ridiculous. That polite smattering of applause tells you it 's 40-15 to Van de Zandschulp, who double faults. And another serve into he net. A second double, for deuce. Another fault, oh Botic... He's apologetically gets a serve in. We're into baseline trading and the Dutchman prevails for advantage. Nadal hits a service return into the net, perhaps surprised that a first serve landed in.
Netherlands (Botic van de Zandschulp) 0-1 Spain (Rafael Nadal)*
Nadal gets the first serve of the match in but it's pretty tentative, middle of the box. Van de Zandschulp times his attack well coming into the net and wins the first point, dispatching a backhand volley cross court. Now Rafa is on the board, but Van de Zandschulp pushes him back and he nets a forehand. 15-30. That's more like as Nadal dominates from the backhand wing to level up again. He serve volley's successfully to get to game point. Old dog, new tricks? Nadal wraps up the game with his best serve so far. Van de Zandschulp puts some snow on it and Rafa clatters the winner.
Warmups done. Here we go. Nadal to serve
2 mins before match start: Now the anthem we were all here for: the fans are hollering "RAFA, RAFA, RAFA!"
5 mins before match start: The squads are out on the court and it's time for the national anthems. This is a home rubber for Nadal and Spain but there is definitely a voluble Dutch presence in the arena.
15 mins before match start: The players are due on court shortly. But what of the would-be party pooper, the man on the other side of the net? Botic van de Zandschulp could very well be the answer to a staple general knowledge question a couple of hours from now. The 29-year-old is ranked 80 in the world at present and has a win/loss record of 16-25 in 2024. He reached a kareer high ranking of 29 in 2022.
1 hour before match start: Of course, the hope for many fans across the world is that Nadal wins today and Spain are able to rumble on in their Davis Cup bid, stretching this "last dance" out a little further. Nevertheless, people are understandably keen to line up their warm words. None more so than Roger Federer, Rafa's greatest rival. And, well, it's all just very beautiful.
Vamos, @RafaelNadal!
— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) November 19, 2024
As you get ready to graduate from tennis, I’ve got a few things to share before I maybe get emotional.
Let’s start with the obvious: you beat me—a lot. More than I managed to beat you. You challenged me in ways no one else could. On clay, it felt like I…
1 hr 30 mins before match start: This could be it — the final professional tennis match Rafael Nadal ever plays. We're not sure if he might yet be involved again should Spain progress to the semifinals, but today feels like a moment to say goodbye. And nobody has said it better than Roger Federer.
— Joe Wright (@JoeWright004) November 19, 2024
What time is Rafael Nadal Davis Cup match vs. Botic van de Zandschulp?
This match is scheduled to be the first of the Davis Cup tie between the Netherlands and Spain. It is due to start at approximately 5 p.m. local time in Malaga, Spain.
Here is how that time translates across some of the major territories:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| USA | Tues, Nov. 19 | 11:00 a.m. ET |
| Canada | Tues, Nov. 19 | 11:00 a.m. ET |
| UK | Tues, Nov. 19 | 4:00 p.m. GMT |
| Australia | Weds, Nov. 20 | 3:00 a.m. AEDT |
| India | Tue, Nov 19 | 9:30 p.m. IST |
Rafael Nadal vs. Botic van de Zandschulp Davis Cup match live stream, TV channel
Here is how to watch this Davis Cup match in some of the major territories:
United States:
TV channel: Tennis Channel
Live stream: Fubo, Tennis Channel
Spain's match against the Netherlands at the Davis Cup Finals 2024 will be available for TV broadcast in the US on Tennis Channel.
Fans in the U.S. can stream the matches live on Fubo and Tennis Channel.
For a limited time, you can get your first month of Fubo for as low as $59.99, a $20 savings. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC and 200+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)
Canada:
TV channel: TVA Sports (French)
Live stream: TVA Sports Direct (French), CBC Gem, cbcsports.ca, CBC Sports YouTube channel
The Davis Cup Finals 2024 will be available for TV broadcast in French language in Canada on TVA Sports.
Fans in Canada can stream matches in French language on TVA Sports Direct. English commentary is available on CBC Gem, cbcsports.ca, or CBC Sports' YouTube channel.
Australia:
- TV channel: 9Gem
- Live stream: beIN Sports, 9Now
The Davis Cup Finals 2024 will be available for TV broadcast in Australia on 9Gem.
Fans in Australia can stream the matches live on beIN Sports and 9Now.
India:
- TV channel: Star Sports Network
- Live stream: Sony LIV, JioTV
This year's Davis Cup finals will be broadcast on TV on the Star Sports Network.
Live streams are available via Sony LIV and JioTV.
UK:
- TV channel: Tennis Channel, BBC Sport
- Live stream: Tennis Channel, BBC Sport website, BBC iPlayer
The Davis Cup Finals 2024 will be available for TV broadcast in the UK on Tennis Channel and BBC Sport.
Fans in the UK can stream the matches live on Tennis Channel, the BBC Sport website and BBC iPlayer.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Learn more >
