Spain’s Nadal loses in Davis Cup quarter-finals singles opener

Malaga: Retiring tennis superstar Rafael Nadal lost 6 4, 6 4 to Botic van de Zandschulp in a Davis Cup quarter final singles rubber on Tuesday as the...

Malaga: Retiring tennis superstar Rafael Nadal lost 6-4, 6-4 to Botic van de Zandschulp in a Davis Cup quarter-final singles rubber on Tuesday as the Netherlands took a 1-0 lead against Spain.

The 22-time Grand Slam winner will call time on his career in professional tennis at the end of Spain’s participation in the tournament in Malaga, after two injury-ravaged years.

Doubts hung over Nadal’s involvement until the official announcement from team captain David Ferrer confirmed he would play in the first singles rubber of the opening finals clash.

The 38-year-old appeared emotional during the Spanish national anthem, and fans filled the arena with chants of “Rafa, Rafa,” when it ended.

Nadal had won his last 29 Davis Cup singles matches out of 30 played -- after debuting in the tournament in 2004 -- and both of his prior clashes with the Dutchman.