Tennis icon Rafael Nadal’s storied career came to a bittersweet close Tuesday as he fell to the Netherlands’ Botic van de Zandschulp in a historic Davis Cup showdown. Despite roaring support from fans in Spain, the 22-time Grand Slam champion couldn’t rally his signature magic, losing 6-4, 6-4 in his final singles match.
In a dramatic quarterfinal clash, Nadal fought hard but faced a relentless opponent. Later, Spain’s rising star Carlos Alcaraz kept hopes alive with a fiery 7-6(0), 6-3 win over Tallon Griekspoor. But Dutch veterans Wesley Koolhof and Van de Zandschulp sealed the deal in doubles, ending Spain’s bid for a storybook send-off.
Nadal, 38, watched anxiously from the sidelines, his emotions raw as the match slipped away. The loss marks his first Davis Cup singles defeat in two decades—a poignant full-circle moment for the 'King of Clay.'
While the night belonged to the Netherlands, tributes poured in globally for Nadal’s unparalleled legacy. From Grand Slam glory to unshakable sportsmanship, his impact on tennis remains timeless.
NewspaperAmigo – Your Global News Buddy 
