It has already been announced that in singles Nadal, ranked 154th in the world, lost 4-6, 4-6 to Botik van de Zanshulp (ATP 80th), but the third racket of the planet, Carlos Alcaraz, tied the game for the Spaniards with a 7-6 (7:0) victory. , 6-3 over Tallon Greekspor (ATP 40th)
Alcaraz lost to van de Zanshulp and Wesley Kohlhoff in the decisive match of the quarterfinals of the Davis Cup in two tiebreaks with 6-7 (4:7), 6-7 (3:7) in a pair with Marcel Granollier, and the Spanish team suffered a 1-2 loss in the entire duel.
“Titles, numbers…yes, people probably know them, but I would like to be remembered as a good person from a small village in Mallorca,” Nadal, 38, said after his final match. “As a little boy just following his dream, working hard…I was very lucky.”
Before Tuesday’s matches, Nadal had won 29 consecutive Davis Cup victories, but his overall record since his debut in the tournament in 2004 was 29-1.
“I lost my first match in Davis Cup and also my last,” Nadal said with a smile on his face. “So the circle has come full circle.”
Nadal had not taken the court before the competition in Malaga since the Paris Olympics, when he lost to Serbia’s Novak Djokovic in the second round of the Games at the end of July.
At the beginning of October, Nadal, who has won 22 Grand Slam tournaments, announced that he will end his career as a tennis player after the Davis Cup final.
The Dutch national team will meet Canadian or German tennis players in the semi-finals of the Davis Cup on November 22, while Italy will compete with Argentina and the USA with Australia for a place in the second semi-final pair.
Last year, the winners of the Davis Cup were the Italian tennis players, who defeated the Australian national team 2-0 in the final.
How does Rafael Nadal’s emphasis on character and humility influence the next generation of tennis players?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Tennis Expert
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome, and thank you for joining us today. We’ve just seen some very intense matches in the Davis Cup, particularly involving Spanish stars like Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz. What’s your overall assessment of the Spanish team’s performance?
Tennis Expert (TE): Thank you for having me! It was a mixed bag, to say the least. Nadal, despite being ranked 154th, faced a challenging opponent in Botik van de Zandschulp and lost in straight sets. It showed that even the legends have their tough days, especially at this stage in their careers. On the other hand, Alcaraz stepped up to tie the match for Spain with a strong performance against Tallon Greekspor, showcasing his talent and potential.
TNE: Absolutely. Alcaraz seems to be carrying a lot of expectations, especially with Nadal’s shadow looming over him. How do you think that pressure affects young players like him?
TE: The pressure can be immense. Alcaraz is not just the future of Spanish tennis; he’s considered the future of tennis worldwide. He’s shown that he can handle pressure well, as evidenced by his ability to win crucial matches. However, the expectations that come with being compared to a legend like Nadal can be daunting. It’s a double-edged sword—on one hand, it pushes him to excel; on the other, it can create mental strain.
TNE: After Alcaraz’s win, he ended up losing in the decisive match with Marcel Granollers against van de Zandschulp and Wesley Kohlhoff. What are your thoughts on that match?
TE: That match was incredibly tight—both sets went to tiebreaks, which indicates just how evenly matched they were. Losing in tiebreaks, though, can be particularly tough for any player; it’s a matter of small margins. It shows that while Spain has the talent in Alcaraz and Nadal, they still need to work on their doubles strategy and teamwork, which are crucial in the Davis Cup format.
TNE: Speaking of Rafael Nadal, he made a heartfelt statement regarding his legacy, emphasizing that he wants to be remembered as a good person from a small village in Mallorca rather than just for his titles. What does this say about his character, and how do you think it resonates with his fans?
TE: That’s a beautiful sentiment. Nadal has always been known for his humility and sportsmanship. For him to prioritize personal values over accolades speaks volumes about his character. His fans love him not just for his tennis skills but for the way he conducts himself on and off the court. This kind of attitude helps inspire young athletes to strive for greatness while also understanding the importance of being a good person and a role model.
TNE: It’s a refreshing perspective, especially in a sport that often highlights competition over camaraderie. Looking forward, what do you think the future holds for Spanish tennis, especially with emerging players like Alcaraz?
TE: The future looks bright for Spanish tennis. Alcaraz is already establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with, and there are other talented players emerging as well. Spain has a strong infrastructure for nurturing talent, which means we can expect to see more players on the global stage soon. There’s also a growing focus on mental resilience and sportsmanship, which I believe will be key for their continued success.
TNE: Thank you for your insights! It’s always a pleasure to discuss the nuances of the sport, especially with such legendary names involved.
TE: Thank you! It was great to chat about it. Let’s hope for more exciting matches ahead!